Makroporen

Makroporen, or macropores, are the larger pores within soil, typically defined as pores with diameters greater than about 0.08 millimeters. They form a network that enables rapid movement of water and air, in contrast to smaller pores that retain water more tightly. Macropores include channels created by earthworms, decaying roots, soil cracks, and biopores within soil aggregates, and they can be persistent or transient depending on soil texture and biological activity.

These large pores play a key role in infiltration, drainage, and groundwater recharge. They provide preferential pathways that allow rapid water transit after rainfall, reducing surface runoff in many soils. They also facilitate aeration, which supports root respiration and aerobic microbial processes. The extent of macroporosity is influenced by soil texture, structure, organic matter content, and biological activity. In compacted or degraded soils, macroporosity often declines, leading to slower drainage, reduced root penetration, and poorer soil health.

Measurement and study of macropores rely on a range of methods. In the field, dye-tracer and infiltration tests help identify preferential flow paths. Laboratory techniques include pore-scale imaging and mercury intrusion porosimetry, while advanced imaging such as X-ray computed tomography can visualize three-dimensional pore networks. Modelling approaches often incorporate macroporosity as a separate pore-domain to simulate infiltration and drainage dynamics more accurately.

Management practices aim to preserve or enhance macroporosity because of its ecological and agricultural benefits. Reducing soil compaction, maintaining organic matter, practicing reduced-tillage, and employing cover crops or perennial systems help sustain macropore networks. Understanding macroporosity is important for soil hydrology, crop production, and ecosystem resilience.