Lysimeters – a Modern Tool to Investigate Transport Processes in Ecosystems

Abstract

Lysimeters are an important way of determining the water balance for ecosystems using water balance parameters. In addition to the quantity, it is also possible to investigate the quality of soil and seepage water. Soil monoliths of defined dimensions are taken from their natural environment and given defined boundary conditions. In combination with corresponding measurement technology, it is possible to investigate the function and mode of action of ecosystems in this way. The results can be transferred from small to large scales and are amongst other things a good method to determine the evapotranspiration of a defined area (typically 1-2 m²), of the water and solute transport in a defined volume (typically 1-5 m³) and the degradation and conversion of substances under weathering influences. Due to the possibility of long term outdoor investigations under real location conditions, statements may be made using lysimeter tests on the water balance of certain climate scenarios, for example. Other possibilities are the comparison of several similar lysimeters in areas with different weathering conditions or the comparison of different soil types or different vegetation with the same weather over a longer time period. These investigations provide the foundation for many models to estimate the effect of climatic change, the spread of contamination in the soil or the success of re-conditioning measures. Typical areas of use for lysimeters are agricultural land locations, forest locations, landfills and post-mining landscapes as well as areas with existing waste deposits in need of recultivation. The combination of several lysimeters is recommended for statistically verified statements.