The pore space arrangement in podzolic horizons of loamy soils (analysis of 2D and 3D images)

A comparative analysis of 2D (in thin sections) and 3D (X-ray CT) images allowed obtaining new data about the pore space arrangement in the EL horizon of soddy podzolic soils. The 3D images of the soil mass and the pore space have been made by reconstruction via computer using a great number of 2D shady X-ray projections. It is shown that the EL horizon reveals not only horizontal fissured pores between platy aggregates but also many isolated vesicular pores of unknown genesis. As dinstinct from the podzolic horizon such pores are singly met in the soil-forming mantle loam (C horizon). The major pores with rounded edges are represented by recent and relic root holes. The obtained data serve as an additional information on the podzolic horizon configuration in soddy podzolic soils on the whole and the pore space in these horizons in particular. Thanks to this study iy is reasonable to conclude that the information on genetic differences in the configuration of pedogenic and lithogenic horizons of the soddy podzolic soils is expanded.