Canadian laboratory for X-ray CT of soil: scanner upgrade

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Soils are complex and dynamic components of the ecosystem in which they occur. The many properties and behavior of soil, can exhibit considerable variability in space (laterally and vertically) and over time. An understanding of the relation between soil variability, and the factors that control it, is fundamental to refining management systems, so as to minimize potential soil degradation, as well as guide soil rehabilitation. On-going advancements in instrumentation are allowing us to acquire increasingly-detailed information about intact soils; specifically, high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) can reveal the intricate configuration of the various soil components at the microscopic level. This information provides the opportunity for researchers to develop computer models to help understand the complex functioning of soils, including biological activity, from which it may be possible to predict the impact of changes in environmental conditions and/or management regimes. Through support of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation-New Opportunities and the Ontario Innovation Trust, a microCT laboratory, dedicated to the study of soil, was established at the University of Guelph (in 2002) - it is the only one in Canada and among only a few in the world primarily at the service of soil science. Consequently, it has attracted the attention of soil researchers and students world-wide and has become a node for such research. The refurbishment of the X-ray source, will result in a globally unique imaging system. This will allow the University of Guelph, and by extension Canada, to remain in the international forefront of research in X-ray computed tomography of soils.