The AMS 400.8 Bulk Density Soil Sampling Kit W/Hammer Head Handle has everything you need to take interval specific core samples up to 3ft deep. Perfect for surface soil sampling, auger holes and profile pits.
Soil bulk density is important for understanding soil physical conditions that affect water infiltration and crop growth. The AMS 400.8 kit helps with that by providing the tools to measure bulk density accurately.
The main feature of this kit is the Soil Sample Rings made from .062w SST tubing. These are for laboratory studies and undisturbed core samples. Each 2” x 2” SST ring has a volume of 90.59 cubic centimeters so you can calculate the bulk density of the soil sample based on the known volume and weight of the sample liner. By using this kit you can ensure an accurate determination of bulk density, right from the start with proper sampling technique to represent the natural condition of the soil.
The unique features of the Bulk Density Soil Core Sampler in this kit make it different from standard core samplers. With a much shorter 5/16” gap between the tip of the core sampler and the internal shelf of the sample liner it gives you a more representative core and reduces soil compaction during sampling. The core sampler cap has a built in waste barrel with 2” of relief so you don’t have to load multiple rings inside the sampler which can distort sample calculations.
Kit includes: core sampler cup, core sampler cap, hammer head cross handle or compact slide hammer attachment, 2-1/2” open face auger, 2-3/4” regular soil bucket auger, 2-3/4” planer auger, 2ft. extension rod, 18” rubber coated cross handle, 2” x 2” stainless steel rings (25) with their own aluminum carrying case, 2” plastic end caps (50), adjustable wrenches (2), auger cleanout tool, nylon cleaning brush, impact absorbing hammer and AMS deluxe carrying case.
With the AMS 400.8 Bulk Density Soil Sampling Kit W/Hammer Head Handle you can collect soil samples for analysis and research with confidence.
What is Soil Bulk Density
Bulk density is a key soil physical property that affects water infiltration, soil aeration and plant root growth. Defined as the weight of dry soil per unit volume of soil, bulk density is expressed on a soil volume basis. Bulk densities are related to soil compaction and root growth, higher bulk densities restrict root penetration and reduce soil aeration. This is an important indicator of soil health as it helps calculate the percentage of pore space in the soil. Particle density defined as the mass of soil solids in a given volume is used to calculate bulk density and porosity. Pore space is essential for air and water to move through the soil which in turn supports healthy root growth and overall plant development. Understanding bulk density is essential for understanding soil structure and texture which are the keys to sustainable soil management.
Why Measure Soil Bulk Density
Measuring soil bulk density is important for understanding soil physical properties like water infiltration, soil aeration and plant root growth. Soil bulk density affects air and water movement through the soil which in turn affects plant growth and crop yields. Accurate measurements of soil bulk density is important for determining the right structure and texture for specific crops and to identify potential compaction issues. By measuring soil bulk density farmers and agricultural professionals can make informed decisions on tillage practices, irrigation management and fertilizer application and ultimately improve crop yields and reduce environmental impact.
Soil Sampling
Soil sampling is the first step in measuring soil bulk density. There are several ways to collect soil samples including using a metal ring or a soil auger. The metal ring method involves pushing a ring into the soil and collecting a known volume of soil, the soil auger method involves drilling into the soil and collecting a core sample. It is important to collect soil samples from multiple depths and locations to account for spatial variability in soil bulk density. Soil samples should be collected when the soil is moist as this will help minimize soil compaction and give accurate measurements.
Measuring
Measuring soil bulk density can be done by various methods, each suited to different soil conditions. One advanced method is using neutron-gamma surface gauges which uses a 137Cs gamma radioactive source and a Geiger-Müller tube detector to measure soil bulk density. Another common method is the intact core method where a metal ring of known volume is pressed into the soil to collect a sample. The soil sample is then dried and its weight is measured. This method is good for moist soils without gravel and gives accurate bulk density values for soil analysis.
Bulk density above 1.6 g/cm³ restricts root growth, different soil types like sandy and clay soils have different compaction levels that affect this growth restriction.
By using these methods researchers and agronomists can get accurate data on soil bulk density to assess soil health and productivity.
Methods to Measure Bulk Density
There are several methods to measure soil bulk density including using a neutron-gamma surface gauge, a soil probe or the clod method. The neutron-gamma surface gauge method measures the attenuation of gamma rays as they pass through the soil, the soil probe method involves inserting a metal probe into the soil and measuring the volume of soil displaced. The clod method involves measuring the volume of a soil clod and then drying it to measure the mass of the clod. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages and the choice of method will depend on the research question or management goal.
Factors that Affect Bulk Density
Soil bulk density is affected by soil texture, soil structure, soil organic matter and compaction. Soil texture determines the arrangement of soil particles which in turn affects the bulk density of the soil. Soil structure including the presence of aggregates and pores also affects bulk density. Soil organic matter like roots and microorganisms can reduce bulk density by increasing the pore space in the soil. Compaction caused by heavy machinery or foot traffic can increase bulk density by reducing the pore space in the soil.
Recommended Bulk Density
The recommended bulk density depends on the crop or management goal. Generally lower bulk density is good for root growth and water infiltration. A bulk density of 1.33 g/cm³ is often considered ideal as it is 50% pore space and 50% solids. But the recommended bulk density can vary depending on the soil type and crop. For example sandy soils may need higher bulk density for root growth and clay soils may need lower bulk density to prevent waterlogging.
Why Accurate Bulk Density Measurement is Important
Accurate bulk density measurement is crucial to understand soil physical properties and to implement sustainable agriculture practices. Agricultural practices that minimize soil disturbance and maintain residue cover can improve soil structure and health at the soil surface and ultimately affect water retention and root growth in crops. Bulk density affects many aspects of soil health including crop production, water infiltration, soil erosion, soil fertility and plant root development. Generally lower bulk density (< 1.5 g/cm³) is good for air and water movement in the soil which is good for plant growth. Precise bulk density measurement enables farmers and soil scientists to make informed decision on soil management so that agricultural systems remain productive and sustainable.
Uses of Bulk Density
Bulk density has many applications in agriculture and plays a key role in soil fertility management, irrigation scheduling and crop production. By knowing the bulk density, farmers can calculate the amount of nutrients required for optimal crop growth and determine the best irrigation practice to avoid waterlogging or drought stress. Bulk density also helps in monitoring soil compaction and develop strategies to reduce compaction and improve soil structure. These uses highlight the importance of bulk density in maintaining healthy and productive soils and sustainable agriculture.
