colored balls

Soil Sampling

Taking Bulk Density Samples

If you are using the auger method

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1. Auger to a depth of 1 or 2 cm past the top of the horizon to be sampled.*

* Use the depths from the first soil profile you withdrew with the auger as a guide.

 

augering 10 cm below
2. Use the auger to remove a sample of the horizon. If the horizon is thinner than the length of the auger head, partially turn the auger so that the whole sample will be from one horizon. Do not turn the auger more than one complete circle (360°) so that the soil does not become compacted.
augering 360 degrees
3. Measure the diameter of the hole the auger made.

 

auger hole diameter
4. Measure the depth of the hole the auger made.
auger hole depth

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Last Updated: September 10, 2001

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