Welcome to the second part of our soil sampling tutorial series! In this article, we will guide you through the process of taking a bulk density sample. Accurately measuring bulk density is essential for understanding soil compaction, porosity, and overall soil health. Follow these steps to ensure precise results:
You’ll need a 0-5 centimeters bulk density cylinder, a hammer, a wooden board, a spatula, some bags, a permanent marker, and paper and pencil. Ensure all equipment is clean and disinfected before startign to prevent contamination of your samples.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1
Remove the weeds at the top layer of the soil. Place the cylinder with the sharp end down. Place the wooden board over the cylinder and tap it with the hammer until the cylinder is completely sunk into the ground.
Step 2
Remove the soil from around the cylinder with a shovel and remove the cylinder with a spatula to prevent loss of soil.
Step 3
Ensure that the cylinder is filled with soil and remove any soil from the outside and top of the cylinder. Place the sample in a labelled bag. Remember to put a piece of paper (with pencil) with the same label inside each container.
Step 4
Once in the laboratory, dry the sample in an oven at 105ºC for 24 hours and weigh for calculations.
For more detailed information and tips on soil sampling, take a look at the first tutorial and check out the other articles on our website. Stay tuned and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tutorials and insights from AGROSUS!
