Container medium characterization by scanning electron microscopy and comparison with a Monte Carlo computer simulated medium

Abstract

A 1:1 by volume pine bark and sand containermedium was embedded with Spurr's epoxy resin and cross‐sectioned for SEM characterization of particle distribution. A Monte Carlo computer simulated medium was built with spheres of the same particle size distribution as the pine bark and sand grains used in the experiment. Cross‐sections from the simulated systems were compared with actual experimental data and good agreement was obtained. SEM makes it possible to analyze particle and pore distribution of container media. Computer simulation provides a good approximation of container medium structure and may prove useful in estimating properties of container medium mixtures.

Notes

Received for publication July 21, 1993. Supported by State and Hatch Funds allocated to the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station.

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Horticulture and Center for Simulational Physics. Mailing Address: Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia, 1111 Plant Science Bldg., Athens, GA 30602–7273.

Director, Center for Ultrastructural Research.

Professor of Physics and Director of Center for Simulational Physics.

Assistant Research Scientist, University Computing and Networking Services.

Professor of Horticulture.