Open AccessAn Evaluation of Volume Excavation and Core Sampling Techniques for Measuring Soil Bulk Density
Author(s) -
J.M. Lichter,
L.R. Costello
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
arboriculture and urban forestry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 2155-0778
pISSN - 1935-5297
DOI - 10.48044/jauf.1994.030
Subject(s) - sampling (signal processing) , excavation , volume (thermodynamics) , compaction , soil water , bulk density , core (optical fiber) , soil science , limiting , geotechnical engineering , environmental science , geology , materials science , engineering , composite material , physics , mechanical engineering , filter (signal processing) , quantum mechanics , electrical engineering
Soil bulk densities were measured at three locations representing a variety of textural classes utilizing two measurement techniques: core sampling and volume excavation. Bulk density values established by the volume excavation method were significantly lower than core sampling values at 2 of 3 locations. The differences in bulk densities generated by the two techniques should be considered when evaluating the severity of compaction on a site relative to an assumed critically limiting bulk density. Core sampling is a simple, fast and common technique, but is not suitable for sampling rocky, dry or wet soils. The volume excavation method requires simple to use and inexpensive tools and was useful for sampling soils of various conditions, but this technique required greater care in sampling technique which increased the time required for sampling. Key words: Soil compaction, bulk density, volume excavation, core sampling.