Studies & scientific papers
for soil aeration and soil injection
The effects of soil compaction on trees and vegetation have been the subject of scientific research for many years. Numerous universities and research institutions are investigating topics such as soil aeration, compressed air injection, root development, and the improvement of soil structures.
On this page you will find selected scientific papers, master's theses and studies available for download. They offer sound insights into current research findings and demonstrate different approaches to soil improvement and tree revitalization.
Areas of application
Soil compaction
Root development
Soil ventilation
Soil remediation
air injection
Urban Greenery
Tree vitality
Tree locations
Master's thesis
Improving the infiltration capacity of compacted urban soils through soil aeration
college
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg 🇩🇪
focus
Soil aeration using compressed air injection
author
Elias Börner
Scope
91 pages
Year of publication
2025
Language
German
Investigation sites
6 locations in Bavaria
The aim of the work
This master's thesis investigates the influence of soil aeration via compressed air injection on the infiltration capacity of compacted urban soils. The aim was to determine whether the method can sustainably improve the soil's water absorption and reduce typical consequences of soil compaction, such as waterlogging.
Scope of investigation
6 testing sites in Bavaria
8 measurement campaigns
Comparison of measurements before and after soil aeration
Evaluation of the infiltration performance and the range of the procedure
Examination of different soil types and degrees of compaction
Key findings
✓ Significant improvement in infiltration capacity on compacted soils.
✓ Depending on the initial situation, increases in the infiltration rate of 200 to 1,500% were measured.
✓ Even soils with hydraulically inhibiting layers were able to significantly improve their water absorption.
✓ The effective zone of the compressed air injection was approximately 50 cm around the injection hole.
✓ A follow-up test after eight weeks still showed significantly increased infiltration rates compared to the baseline.
Significance for practice
The results show that soil aeration using compressed air injection is an effective measure for improving water absorption and soil structure, particularly in densely populated urban areas. This work thus provides a scientific basis for the application of this technique in tree care, green space management, and soil optimization.
Master's thesis
Effects of deep injections on urban trees
college
Griffith University, Queensland,
Australia 🇦🇺
focus
Effects of deep injections on soil conditions and vitality characteristics of urban trees
author
Saurabh Shailesh Patil
Scope
80 pages
Year of publication
2024
Language
English
Investigation sites
2 locations on the Gold Coast, Queensland
The aim of the work
The aim of this master's thesis was to investigate how deep injections with the VOGT Geo Injector affect soil conditions and the vitality of urban trees. To this end, treated and untreated young and established street trees at two locations on the Gold Coast were compared.
Scope of investigation
Two urban research sites on the Gold Coast
A total of 35 young Brachychiton trees and 20 established Buckinghamia trees were found in the study area.
Trees were treated alternately with the VOGT Geo Injector; the remaining trees served as a control group.
Four injection points per treated tree
Injections at depths of 300 and 600 millimeters
Measurement before and after treatment
Investigation period of approximately four months
Evaluation of six soil and vitality parameters
Key findings
✓ Lower soil resistance: In treated young and established trees, the measured penetration depth of the penetrometer increased significantly.
✓ Higher chlorophyll content: The treated trees showed increasing chlorophyll levels, especially noticeable in young trees.
✓ Improved soil moisture: The soil moisture increased statistically significantly in the treated young trees.
✓ Different responses depending on tree age: Young trees reacted more strongly than established trees to several of the parameters examined.
Significance for practice
The results show that deep injections with the VOGT Geo Injector can promote positive changes in soil resistance, soil moisture, and chlorophyll content, particularly in young urban trees. The method allows for targeted treatment of the root zone with minimal surface disturbance. However, due to the short study period and potential environmental influences, further long-term investigations are recommended.