Soil Ecology Labs
Soil Ecology Labs is a scientific research laboratory of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) dedicated to studying the interactions between soils and their environment. Our work spans various projects, including water resource management, biodiversity, land-use changes, and agronomy.
Laboratory Equipment and Techniques
Our laboratory is equipped with a range of specialized instruments to support our research, including:
- Hyprop
- WP4C
- KSAT devices
- Pressure Plate Apparatus
- Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)
The Pressure Plate Apparatus estimates soil water availability to plants without disturbing the soil structure. The Hyprop generates soil water characteristic curves in the wet range, and, together with the WP4C, which measures the dry range, we can create full, high-resolution moisture release curves across the entire soil moisture spectrum. Hyprop‘s companion instrument, the KSAT, measures saturated hydraulic conductivity, a key tool for generating hydraulic conductivity curves for various soil types.
We also employ Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to examine soil composition by analyzing the interaction of infrared light with soil matter, providing insights into water content, organic carbon levels, and mineral composition.
Collaboration with the Faculty of Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering
Through our collaboration with the Soil Lab under the Faculty of Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering, we also analyze essential soil physical properties such as:
- Particle size distribution
- Soil density
- Porosity
- Soil consistency (upper and lower plastic limits)
- Aggregate stability to water
Soil Library (Pédothèque) and Herbarium
In addition to our analytical tools, we maintain a comprehensive soil library (pédothèque) that rigorously collects and classifies soil samples from various locations. This library aids in studying soil characteristics and changes over time. Alongside the soil library, our herbarium houses and preserves plant specimens, which are essential for ecological studies and contribute to our understanding of plant-soil interactions within the ecosystem.
Chrey Bak Observatory and Research Areas
In addition to our laboratory activities, we manage the Chrey Bak Observatory, a unique research site that focuses on five key areas:
- Water studies
- Soil carbon storage and land-use changes
- Socio-economics
- Biodiversity
- Agronomy
With these state-of-the-art facilities, our team conducts interdisciplinary research across the fields of ecology, soil science, and environmental studies. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of ecological dynamics and addresses contemporary environmental challenges.
SOIL ECOLOGY LABS 
