The computerized tomography as a new method for studing the physics of water in soil

In this thesis we present a new method for the investigation of water in Soil Physics using X-ray Computed Tomographic scanning. We show that the new method is in agreement with previous classical techniques such as γ-ray attenuation and gravimetric. We also demonstrate that the method allows new approaches quantitative analysis of problems such as bi and tridimensional dynamical studies as well as of heterogeneity in soil and water distributions. We apply the method to investigations of vertical infiltration of water in wet and compacted soil, simulation of drop irrigation and for preliminary studies of seed germination 'in situ'. These applicatons would not not be possible without these capabilities and advantages of this new method. Our results complement those of Perovic et al and Hainsworth et al in that we have investigated experimentally the complete dependence of H. U. (Hounsfield Units) on dry bulk density, water content and energy. Finally we also repeat some of our results obtained, using a non-medical X and γ-ray minitomograph of considerable simplicity wich will open new possibilities for the application of the proposed method. (Author)