Contact
The Institute of Hydrodynamics of the CAS, v. v. i.
RNDr. Lukáš Vlček, Ph.D.
Tel.: 233 109 059
E-mail: vlcek@nullih.cas.cz
Competence
The research focuses on analyzing subsurface flows and soil water storage. Detailed knowledge of soil hydraulic properties is used to better understand infiltration processes and water flow within a soil profile or entire hillslope during a rainfall event, runoff formation, and the evaluation of evapotranspiration during droughts. For this purpose, the laboratory is equipped with devices to determine the soil retention curve, soil moisture, infiltration capacity, and soil water pressure under normal and simulated wetness conditions. We also focus on water stable isotopes analysis to understand the water sources in precipitation, streams, or soils.
Target group
We provide our services to partners and customers from companies and institutions involved in assessing the ecological and productive functions of landscapes, which are directly dependent on the soil water processes. Companies in the agricultural sector also use our laboratory outputs as a basis for land cover transformation, irrigation or drainage management, or soil nutrient monitoring.
Our services
We are able to provide the following services in connection with our research:
Determination of:
- soil water retention curves (standard 6-point)
- specific point on the soil water retention curve (i.e. wilting point, field capacity)
- saturated hydraulic conductivity
- water storage
- bulk density, specific mass and soil porosity
- stable isotopes of water (2H, 17O, 18O)
Analytical equipment
- sand box for determination of retention curve points up to 0,1 bar
- sand-kaolin vox for determination of retention curve points up to 0,5 bar
- pressure apparatus for determination of retention curve points up to 15 bar
- laboratory permeameter
- soil moisture sensores
- soil tensiometers of various sizes
- water stable isotopes analyzer - Picarro
