A HAMMER-DRIVEN SOIL-CORE SAMPLER

Abstract

The hand-pressure type of soil-core sampler failed to obtain cores free from disturbance in a clay soil but compared favorably with the hammer sampler in moist loam. The sliding-hammer tool developed as a modification of the Lutz core sampler appears satisfactory for sampling most soils exclusive of those that are stony or extremely hard and compact. The cores taken are of a convenient size (470 cc.) and large enough greatly to reduce sampling error and variation in results for replicates over the somewhat smaller cores taken by the Lutz sampler. The tool is convenient to use in the field and exptl. plots for sampling to depths of less than about 18 inches. There is no need for sharpening or replacing damaged cutting heads, since the container edges are sharp enough to cut into the soil. In case of damage, a container is cheap and can be replaced by another numbered can. Whether a sample should be taken by pushing or hammering is detd. by soil conditions. Generally in loose very wet or very dry soil, where a sample can be obtained easily, pushing will cause less disturbance than hammering. In compact soils the reverse is true.