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2010 Kentucky NSF EPSCoR Research Scholars Program (RSP)
Determination of Insitu Moisture Content from Measurements of the Complex Dielectric Constant in Soils
Faculty Mentor: L. Sebastian Bryson
Awarded: February 2010
EPSCoR Support: $5,000
Student: Melinda Jean-Louis
Institution: University of Kentucky
Hometown: Lexington, KY/Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Classification: Undergraduate
The Hydra Probe II measures the complex dielectric constant of a soil and water mixture to obtain the moisture content. As the dielectric constant of water is four to eight times greater than most aggregates, changes in water content directly affect the sensor output. Soil models specific to the various soil types are developed by plotting measurements of complex dielectric constant versus oven-derived moisture contents. The subsequent linear regression line then becomes the soil model. The proposed research is to develop a universal model for the Hydra Probe. The universal model will allow moisture content to be determined insitu, regardless of the soil type.
Study of Carbon Uptake on Reclaimed Mining Lands
Faculty Mentor: James Fox
Awarded: January 2010
EPSCoR Support: $5,000
Student: Peter Acton
Institution: University of Kentucky
Hometown: London, KY
Classification: Undergraduate
Estimates of soil organic carbon density and fluxes have been a recent topic of uncertainty when budgeting the carbon footprint of coal extraction and burning. My project focuses on estimating the uptake of carbon from the atmosphere to the soil pool after reclamation of surface coal mining lands in southeastern Kentucky. Soil data will be collected in the field and analyzed for its soil organic carbon density from sites in different stages of reclamation. Importantly, my research makes use isotope ratio mass spectrometry to analyze the carbon stable isotopic signature of reclaimed soil in order that new soil carbon can be separated from carbon associated with coal fragments. The results of my research will be used to estimate the coal carbon footprint for Appalachian Kentucky.