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This work presents point pedotransfer function (PTF) models of the soil water retention curve. The developed models allowed for estimation of the soil water content for the specified soil water potentials: –0.98, –3.10, –9.81, –31.02, –491.66, and –1554.78 kPa, based on the following soil characteristics: soil granulometric composition, total porosity, and bulk density. Support Vector Machines (SVM) methodology was used for model development. A new methodology for elaboration of retention function models is proposed. Alternative to previous attempts known from literature, the ν-SVM method was used for model development and the results were compared with the formerly used the C-SVM method. For the purpose of models' parameters search, genetic algorithms were used as an optimisation framework. A new form of the aim function used for models parameters search is proposed which allowed for development of models with better prediction capabilities. This new aim function avoids overestimation of models which is typically encountered when root mean squared error is used as an aim function. Elaborated models showed good agreement with measured soil water retention data. Achieved coefficients of determination values were in the range 0.67–0.92. Studies demonstrated usability of ν-SVM methodology together with genetic algorithm optimisation for retention modelling which gave better performing models than other tested approaches.

There are global aspirations to harmonize soil particle-size distribution data measured by the laser diffraction method and by traditional sedimentation techniques, e.g. sieve-pipette methods. The need has arisen therefore to build up a database, containing particle-size distribution values measured by the sieving and pipette method according to the Hungarian standard (sieve-pipette methods-MSZ) and the laser diffraction method according to a widespread and widely used procedure. In our current publication, 155 soil samples measured with sieve-pipette methods-MSZ and laser diffraction method (Malvern Mastersizer 2000, HydroG dispersion unit) were compared. Through the application of the usual size limits at the laser diffraction method, the clay fraction was under-and the silt fraction was overestimated compared to the sieve-pipette methods-MSZ results, and subsequently the soil texture classes were determined according to the results of both methods also differed significantly from each other. Based on our previous experience, the extension of the upper size limit of the clay fraction from 2 to 7 µm increases the comparability of sievepipette methods-MSZ and laser diffraction method, in this way the texture classes derived from the particle-size distributions were also more in accordance with each other. The difference between the results of the two kinds of particle-size distribution measurement methods could be further reduced with the pedotransfer functions presented. K e y w o r d s: laser diffraction, particle-size distribution, pedotransfer function, soil texture triangle

A b s t r a c t. A great emphasis has been placed on biochar addition to soils to improve its physical, chemical, and biological properties in recent times in order to achieve improved crop growth and yields. The present study explored to soil physical changes through different plant growth stages caused by biochar addition to silt loam soil in a pot-experiment. Our research focused on changes in soil bulk density, aggregate size distribution, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. The soils were amended with different amounts of biochars (control with 0, BC0.5 with 0.5%, BC2.5 with 2.5%, and BC5.0 with 5.0% biochar, by weight). Capsicum annuum L. were planted at a two-four leaf stage. Soil samples were taken at 6, 10 and 12 weeks after planting. The biochar amendment resulted in a significant decrease in soil bulk density values. Soil saturated hydraulic conductivity values ranged between 5.5 and 7.9 times higher for all treatments compared to the controls. K e y w o r d s: biochar, aggregate size distribution, hydraulic conductivity, bulk density