Specialist speaks of technology’s effects on plant, soil structure
David Robinson, professor of geophysics from Stanford University, discussed Tuesday the new technologies associated with ecohydrological development, specifically the use of geophysical imaging using electric conductivity in soils to determine water patterns as well as its effects on plant and soil structure.
Robinson spoke gave the presentation, “Exploring Soils and Ecohydrological Structure in Vulnerable Ecosystems Using Geophysical Imaging.”
The geophysical imaging discussed is actually quite simple, he said: Give the ground an electric shock, and measure how well it conducts electricity. Based on how well the soil conducts electricity, scientists are able to see a computerized image of subsurface water patterns and how much water the soil has in it, he said.
“Geophysical methods offer a new way forward,” Robinson said. “We are trying to obtain a quantitative link between spacial patterns of subsurface properties and above-ground vegetation structure.”
Robinson said he believes finding a “quantitative link” between water, soil and plant life is crucial to understanding the ecologically changing world. Subsurface waterflows and soil textures have been shown to have definitive effects on water, soil and plant life, he said.
Robinson based most of his presentation on his field projects, he said, varying from studies in Idaho to researching arsenic/water levels in Cambodia, all drawing from the same technological advances in geophysical imaging. Robinson said this technology provides many opportunities to take more specific and detailed observations of soil and water characteristics.
“Earth penetrating radar is the next step, but geophysical imaging is proving very effective,” Robinson said.
Robinson received his doctorate, specializing in soil and water content, from the Institute of Hydrology at the University of Ulster in the United Kingdom. He is currently employed at Stanford University as a research scientist, focusing his work on research involving soil readings using electrical sensors for geophysical imaging.
Throughout his career, Robinson has received several awards including the Soil Physics Early Career Award and the Soil and Water Management and Conservation Early Career Award.
The lecture was sponsored by USU’s Water Initiative. The Water Initiative is a cooperation of several of the university’s colleges and the Utah Water Research Lab. The Water Initiative works to facilitate collaborative research and to foster a collegial interdisciplinary community of water scholars.
The seminar was open and attended by students, faculty, alumni and general public. It was held in the Engineering building as part of the Water Initaitive’s Fall Seminar Series. The series will be continued on Oct. 30 with a presentation by Ray Huffaker from Washington State University’s School of Economic Sciences.
Robinson will be available on campus through the week for questions or discussion.
-ross.nelson@aggiemail.usu.edu