About the Laboratory

The Soil Hydro-Physics lab is part of the Wageningen Environmental Research institute and Wageningen University. Thereby the lab is an integral part of the research and advisory work done in the field of ‘soil-water-atmosphere’. In this lab we do measurements on soil samples, mostly to determine how water, gas en nutrients move through or are retained in the soil.

What can you come to us for?

You can come to us if you want standard measurements done, the results of which will be looked at critically; but also if you are looking for a modified and/or special measurement procedure. Thanks to the organizational structure of Wageningen University & Research, we can easily look for contacts for you in other departments/groups, e.g. Remote Sensing, Ecology, Water Management, Land Restructuring or Animal Science.

How are we unique?

The Soil Hydro-Physics lab is a combination of a research lab and a standard lab, and part of an institute of knowledge - so both basic knowledge of the methods as well as understanding of the theory behind them is available. With this knowledge and experience you can always be assured of sound analysis results, and you have a partner who can really understand your research question(s). The combination of these conditions and the extensive variety of measurements that we can do is unique in the Netherlands.

Examples of projects conducted in the lab

The soil physical lab is frequently used in big research projects, e.g. large EU projects, the failure of the Wilnis dike, the pilot for the waterstorage area Salland, calibration measurements for the KNMI, pilots for under water drains in the peat meadow areas, and building of soil physical properties databases such as the Staring series and Priapus-BIS. The lab is also often used for Phd research projects, for example research into the effects of forest fires on soil water conductivity and water repellency.

What is our ambition and motivation?

As managers of the lab we take care that the facilities are kept modern and up-to-date. We are always looking for new techniques and ways to improve exiting methodologies in order to be of greatest service to our clients.