X-ray computed tomography applications in soil ecology studies

An EMI 5005 medical X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner was used to observe a variety of soils containing seedlings, insects, roots and radio-opaque labeled granules. Techniques were developed for collecting samples from the field and in the laboratory. Appropriate fixtures were developed for supporting the laboratory and field samples in the scanner gantry. Techniques were adopted for quantifying soil moisture and density as well as biological activity. X-ray CT appears to be a useful tool for studying some soil ecological problems.