Soil is composed of inorganic substances such as sands and clay, organic matters from biological materials, small creatures like millipedes and earthworms, microorganisms such as molds and bacteria, as well as water and air. We pursue various phenomena happening in this lively space rich with variety, as well as looking into the characteristics of substances in it from the perspectives of soil physics, thermodynamics, physical chemistry, and colloid science.
- Solute migration within the soil
We pursue behaviors of solute within the soil. Solutes move through the soil while being affected in diverse ways such as being absorbed onto the soil surface, or being decomposed by soil microorganisms. - Gas movement within the soil
We pursue behaviors of gas within the soil. Gas changes in multitudes of ways while moving through it, like being generated or absorbed within the soil. - Non-uniformity of physiochemical properties in agricultural soil
In a widespread agricultural land, irregularity occurs on crop growth due to non-uniformity of soil physiochemical properties. In order to place fertilizers or soil improvement materials efficiently, such non-uniformity in the soil must be revealed. - Absorption phenomenon within the soil
We pursue the absorption mechanism of substances onto the soil surface. Multitudes of forces are at work here, such as electrostatic force, intermolecular attractive force and hydrophobic interaction. - Categorization/generation process of micro aggregates within the soil and habitat of soil bacteria
Micro aggregates within the soil play an important role in the ecology as habitats for soil bacteria. We systematically categorize micro aggregates and pursue the process of its generation and change. - Disintegration and cohesion of the soil
When mixed with water, doil breaks down to pieces (disintegration) or bonds together (cohesion). We pursue how electric charges and intermolecular interactions of the soil work in changing the status of things. - Soil structure and permeability
Soil structure stipulates its permeability. We pursue the relationship between soil structure and changes in permeability.
