Soil Structure Stability Laboratory

Responsible Dr A. TedeschiPortici office, anna.tedeschi@cnr.it

Laboratory activities are planned to determine the stability index of soils . The structure stability index is used to assess the state of aggregation and indirectly the health of soils. Low stability index values indicate poor porosity aeration and thus all the implications that a poorly structured soil can have on plant life. A high index indicates a well aerated soil with good porosity and thus a capacity for water infiltration and solute movement. For these studies, a patented prototype is being used, made by Ing Dell'Aquila of CNR-ISAFOM, with whom I collaborated by giving him specific technical indications for development. Studies are also underway for a new structure stability index with particular reference to the aggregate dispersion curve as a function of time.