Physical properties in European volcanic soils: a synthesis

This chapter is organised as follows. First, micro-aggregation and clay dispersibility of the European reference pedon soil samples are reported. Second, we will highlight the key role played by capillary porosity in both soil water retention and shrinkage for the same soils. Third, irreversible drying effect on aggregate stability, hydraulic properties and solute transport parameters will be presented, followed by preliminary results on pore size distribution of the reference soil samples. Finally, recent results on (i) dielectric behaviour and water mobility, (ii) water and solute transport and (iii) soil hydrophobicity will be reported for European and other Andosols.