Research · Soil physics & hydrology
How water moves through soil—and what moves with it.
We combine field measurements, laboratory experiments, and modeling to understand water availability, contaminant transport, and environmental change.
Explore our research ↓
From pores to watersheds
Connected questions.
Real-world applications.
Our work connects the physical behavior of soils with challenges in agriculture, water quality, and landscape management. Explore the questions through three themes.
Soil processes & water quality
Photo: Shrinkage test.
How do soil structure and transport processes influence the movement of water, particles, and contaminants?
Watersheds & resilient landscapes
Photo: Wetland restoration project.
How do connected soils, streams, and wetlands shape runoff, water storage, and water quality?
Agricultural water & precision management
Photo: Corn and soybean fields under irrigation.
How can measurements and spatial information support better water and crop management?
Research in action · Stormwater monitoring
Measuring runoff where it happens.
- The question
- How can we measure stormwater runoff as it moves through a landscape?
- The approach
- A field flume channels runoff through a defined structure. Here, flowing water makes the measurement setting visible—from the incoming channel to the outlet.
- Why it matters
- Field measurements help us understand runoff and evaluate approaches to stormwater management.
How we work
Measurements that connect scales.
Field measurements
Observe soils, water, and landscapes under real environmental conditions.
Laboratory experiments
Examine soil properties and transport processes under controlled conditions.
Modeling & data analysis
Connect measurements, test explanations, and investigate behavior across scales.
Publications
Explore the work behind the questions.
Read our publications on soil physical processes, hydrology, water quality, and agricultural management.
Interested in working together?
Connect about research collaborations and graduate research opportunities.