Micronutrient fixation leads to the reduction of plant-available portions. This study examined the fixation kinetics of chelated and non-chelated zinc (Zn) in semi-arid soils. About 30 % more Zn was fixed in the non-chelated system in the first 14 days. Slope of change of Zn to Cu (i.e., Cu–Zn) was higher than other micronutrients. Zn fixation kinetics were better described by a power-function model. Tools developed from this study will be used to advance micronutrient management.

Technology is moving ahead very fast, and so researchers have new possibilities for their research. We tried to demonstrate benefits of using remote-sensing technology (Phantom 1 drone) such as its accuracy in the terrain, easy access to hardly accessible areas, and the possibility to collect data even during unfavourable weather conditions. The high mountainous environment provided us great conditions for testing the drone as a device for very easy and accurate mapping of natural phenomena.

We present the interpretation of deep seismic reflection profile ESCIN-2 across the boundary between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Cenozoic Duero Basin (NW Spain). 2-D seismic modelling allowed us to construct a N-S geological cross section which is compatible with the rest of the geophysical data. This profile shows the importance of the N-S Alpine deformation. A wedge of Cantabrian margin crust indented southwards into the delaminated Iberian crust, forcing its northward subduction.

State-of-the-art synchrotron x-ray imaging was used to observe micron scale transport processes in real time. The 20 Hz 3-D image acquisition rates give experimental data free from motion artefacts, and suitable for detailed quantitative analysis of the dynamic fluid distribution, flow pathways and processes. The method marks a major breakthrough in our ability to capture both sub-second and lower frequency non-equilibrium process in many geological or engineering systems.

We quantified the SOC and TN losses induced by land-use changes in a typical karst region of southwestern China. Converting from natural forest to croplands greatly led to SOC and TN losses (as higher as 37.8 %), but the magnitude depended on sampling depth and calculation method. We recommend to account for SOC and TN stocks on equivalent soil mass basis together with deep sampling. This study has significant implications on the projected land management in the degraded karst areas.

In order to test the tolerance of sandy elm after emergence, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the changes of survivorship, morphological traits and biomass allocation buried by various experimental burial depths. The results showed that partial sand burial did not influence survivorship but increased seedling height, diameter, taproot length, total biomass, and relative growth rates. It decreased total leaf area and changed biomass allocation, transferring more biomass to aboveground.

We address the problem of seismicity in the intraplate area of northern Fennoscandia using the information on local events recorded by the POLENET/LAPNET seismic array. We relocate the seismic events, calculate a 3-D tomographic P wave velocity model of the uppermost crust and investigate a focal mechanism of the event. Our results demonstrate that the Baltic-Bothnia Megashear is an important large-scale, reactivated tectonic structure that has to be taken into account when estimating seismic hazard.

A method is introduced to implement medical CT data of a fractured sandstone under varying confining pressures into fluid flow simulations to reproduce experimental permeabilities. The simulation results reproduce plausible fracture flow features (e.g. flow channeling, fracture closing/opening) and approximate the actual permeabilities, which are affected by the CT resolution and compositional matrix heterogeneities. Additionally, some recommendations are presented concerning future studies.

Machine learning techniques are a promising alternative for processing (phase segmentation) of 3-D X-ray computer tomographic rock images. Here the performance and accuracy of different machine learning techniques are tested. The aim is to classify pore space, rock grains and matrix of four distinct rock samples. The porosity obtained based on the segmented XCT images is cross-validated with laboratory measurements. Accuracies of the different methods are discussed and recommendations proposed.

This study improves our understanding of the evolution of pores in shales for modelling transport properties. 3-D microscopy on early and postmature Posidonia Shales showed similar porosities and pore size distributions. Large isolated pore clusters are within carbonates and clay minerals. Pores form during maturation in the postmature-matrix-filling organic matter. Modelled permeabilities are lowest perpendicular to bedding. They decrease with increasing maturity and are comparable to experimental data.

In 1942 Archie discovered equations which have been used ever since to calculate reserves of oil and gas around the world. Two equations exist, one which is theoretically justified, and one which is not. Unfortunately it is the one which is not justified that often gives the best results. This research examines the extent to which the two approaches give differing results, concluding that the Winsauer et al. form of Archie's equations is better for use with data containing systematic errors.

The OPA material has been intensively studied by a variety of multiple scale and non-destructive 3-D X-ray CT investigations, following a consequent top-down approach to identify specific regions of interest. According to the mechanical experiment, it has been observed that the shear failure is located in a clay-rich area. Within the intersecting area of the two main fractures, a so called mylonitic zone with a particle reduction was observed on the open shear failure using CT and SEM techniques.

Modern estimation of rock properties combines imaging with advanced numerical simulations, an approach known as digital rock physics (DRP). In this paper we suggest a specific segmentation procedure of X-ray micro-computed tomography data with two different resolutions for two sets of carbonate rock samples. These carbonates were already characterized in detail in a previous laboratory study, which we complement with nanoindentation experiments.

Clay is the prominent barrier material in the geosphere, but diffusion of dissolved species is possible. Diffusion parameters are commonly determined on small samples, disregarding heterogeneity. With positron emission tomography (PET), we monitored heterogeneous transport patterns on larger samples. From the time dependence of the spatial tracer distribution, we derived reliable anisotropic diffusion coefficients, and found indications of preferential transport zones.

Transport processes can be observed with input–output experiments, disregarding the impact of heterogeneities, or they can be modelled, based on structural images. In contrast, positron emission tomography (PET) directly yields the spatio-temporal distribution of tracer concentration. PET benefits from its molecular sensitivity together with a reasonable resolution. We illustrate its use with examples of process monitoring of advection and diffusion processes, and we discuss benefits and limits.

Climate and soil surface conditions influence the erosive capacity of the wind, causing loss of soil productivity. Wind erosion leads soil drying and its loss of nutrients, and this in turn is conditioned by soil surface compaction. The impact of management on most of soil properties and on its wind erodibility determines agricultural productivity and sustainability. We used a new wind tunnel to evaluate all these acts.

The period between 1991 and 2005 was a time when many western geologists came to the Urals to get a closer look at this famous and extraordinarily rich region. The main reason was an openness policy of the USSR government, when foreigners were admitted to this area that was formerly almost closed. The co-operation of the western geologists with local specialists was very fruitful. The author aimed to describe the most interesting findings in Uralian geology after the learned guests left.