Abstract
Filamentous fungi in soil branch hyphae through pores, creating an
interconnected fiber network, which is known as mycelium. Fungal
mycelium can cross-link and entangle soil particles, which alters soil
pore structures. Fungi can also secret hydrophobic compounds, changing
the water wettability of soils. These fungal traits can affect the
hydraulic properties of soils. This study investigated the effect of
fungi on soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity of the Ottawa
50/70 sand treated by a saprotrophic fungus, Trichoderma virens
(commonly existing in soil). The soil water retention curve (SWRC) and
hydraulic conductivity tests were performed on fungi-treated and
untreated Ottawa 50/70 sand. Water repellency of fungi-treated sand was
also assessed by measuring contact angles (between the water droplet and
fungi on sand specimen) and water drop penetration time. The results of
SWRC tests showed an approximate 6-fold increase of air entry suction in
the fungi-treated sand, indicating the fungal treatment improved water
retention capability. The increased air entry suction was attributed to
the change of pore geometry due to mycelium network. A 2-fold reduction
in hydraulic conductivity was observed in the fungi-treated sand when
growing fungi for 10 days. The hydraulic conductivity reduction was
attributed to the enhanced discontinuity of fluid channel by
cross-linking and entangling mycelium network. Also, strong
hydrophobicity of mycelium layer on the specimen surface contributed to
the reduction of hydraulic conductivity. Scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) imaging was conducted to assess the morphologies of sand matrix
treated by fungi.