title: Coarse and fine root plants affect pore size distributions differently.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Small scale root-pore interactions require validation of their impact on effective hydraulic processes at the field scale. Our objective was to develop an interpretative framework linking root effects on macroscopic pore parameters with knowledge at the rhizosphere scale.
  
  
  METHODS
  A field experiment with twelve species from different families was conducted. Parameters of Kosugi's pore size distribution (PSD) model were determined inversely from tension infiltrometer data. Measured root traits were related to pore variables by regression analysis. A pore evolution model was used to analyze if observed pore dynamics followed a diffusion like process.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Roots essentially conditioned soil properties at the field scale. Rooting densities higher than 0.5 % of pore space stabilized soil structure against pore loss. Coarse root systems increased macroporosity by 30 %. Species with dense fine root systems induced heterogenization of the pore space and higher micropore volume. We suggested particle re-orientation and aggregate coalescence as main underlying processes. The diffusion type pore evolution model could only partially capture the observed PSD dynamics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Root systems differing in axes morphology induced distinctive pore dynamics. Scaling between these effective hydraulic impacts and processes at the root-pore interface is essential for plant based management of soil structure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Crop Sciences, Division of Agronomy, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bodner
authors.affiliation: Computational Science Center, University of Vienna, Oskar Morgenstern-Platz 1, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Leitner
authors.affiliation: Department of Crop Sciences, Division of Agronomy, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
authors.forename: H-P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Kaul
keywords: Conceptual model; Cover crops; Pore evolution; Pore size distribution; Root system; Soil structure
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