AMS Soil Compaction Tester

Soil Compaction Tester for Agriculture and Farming

The Soil Compaction Tester is a must have for any farmer or gardener who wants to increase their crop yield. With its many features and easy to use design you can accurately measure the extent and depth of soil compaction and ensure optimal growing conditions for your plants. You will find the tester helpful in finding compacted areas that may be limiting plant growth.

This tester comes with a 24” stainless steel rod with an adjustable shock collar. This prevents damage to the gauge during transport or storage and longevity. The color coated, stainless steel dial is easy to read and is liquid filled to reduce shock, it’s durable and reliable. You need to understand the number on the dial as it represents the compaction level at each depth.

Also the tester has a durable molded housing with rubber grip handles for comfortable and secure handling. It also has a large and small tip, both stored in the tester housing. And a hanger hole with a nail so you can hang it on a wall or above a workbench.

This tester has a penetration depth of 24” in 3” increments so you can measure soil compaction at different depths. The tester also has color coded testing ranges. The green range (0-200 psi) is good growing conditions, the yellow range (200-300 psi) is fair growing conditions and the red range (300 psi and above) is poor growing conditions. The number on the dial is determined by the resistance the probe encounters as it penetrates the soil, also known as penetration resistance.

For different soil types the tester comes with two tips. The ½” tip is for firm soil and the ¾” tip is for soft soil. This ensures accurate readings regardless of the soil type. Note: You need to use the correct tip for accurate soil sampling results.

By testing soil compaction you can increase crop yield by promoting root and plant growth. You can also increase the effectiveness of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, reduce time and fuel costs of tilling and improve soil water retention. You can continue to monitor soil compaction throughout the growing season to ensure optimal conditions. You can use the tester before and after tilling or irrigation. The tester works in a variety of field conditions and is designed for use in agricultural environments.

In summary if you want the best crop yield possible this is the tool for you. It’s durable, accurate and convenient for any agricultural or gardening.

Features:

• Provides results in the form of a clear, color coded dial so you can easily read the data.

• Measures the volume of penetrated so you can measure compaction at different depths.

• The number on the dial is determined by the resistance the probe encounters as it penetrates the soil.

What is Soil Compaction

Soil compaction is a factor that directly affects the health and productivity and the stability of any structure built upon it. When particles are pressed together the spaces between them are reduced which can limit the movement of air, water and roots. So it’s important to understand how soil compaction affects both plant growth and construction. Through soil compaction testing professionals can determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of a given soil. By compacting soil samples at different moisture levels you can find the peak compaction point – where the soil achieves its maximum dry density at the optimum moisture content. Knowing these values is critical to ensure the ground is prepared to the required standards to prevent structural failure and promote healthy plant growth. Compacted soil provides a stable foundation, reduces the risk of shifting or settling and ensures the soil can support the intended load whether it’s crops or construction.

Why Test

Soil compaction testing is critical especially when it comes to the safety and longevity of roads, buildings and other structures. Without soil compaction testing soils may not reach the critical density required to support heavy loads and can lead to cracking, sagging or even catastrophic failure. For contractors and engineers soil compaction testing is a vital step in determining if the ground is suitable for construction and meets all regulatory requirements. Agencies like the Department of Transportation and the American Society for Testing and Materials require soil compaction tests to ensure the project is built on a solid foundation. By testing early you can identify problems, avoid costly repairs and ensure the soil is compacted to the required density. This protects the investment in the project and public safety and the environment.

Equipment and Tools

There are various equipment and tools to perform soil compaction testing, each suited to different project requirements and soil types. Digital soil compaction meters like the SpotOn® Digital Soil Compaction Meter are fast and accurate using a steel cone probe. They are user friendly and provide reliable results without changing tip sizes making them ideal for both field and laboratory use. Besides digital meters, nuclear moisture-density gauges and electrical density gauges are commonly used to measure soil density and moisture content on-site. Other tools like plate load testers and penetrometers are used to measure the bearing capacity of soil and verify the stability of excavation walls. The choice of equipment depends on the project requirements, soil type and level of accuracy needed. By choosing the right tool contractors and engineers can ensure soil compaction is measured accurately for better project outcomes.