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Pressure Cell for Soil Cores¹

ABSTRACT

A design is presented for a small and economical pressure cell which can be used to determine the moisture characteristic of soil core samples contained in brass cylinders. By weighing the entire cell assembly after disconnecting it from a pressurized, regulated air supply, the moisture content of the sample can be determined to the nearest 0.03 g. or ± 0.0004 volume fraction in a total volume of about 70 cm.³

The cells are suitable for pressures up to 1 bar and are made of lucite and aluminum. Details on construction and operation are supplied and examples are given of reproducibility of results and of time of equilibration. Errors caused by evaporation losses are eliminated and positive contact between soil and retainer plate is maintained at all times.

The miniature pressure cell should be particularly adaptable for routine investigations where information on moisture characteristics is required on field soils.

¹ Contribution from Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, ARS, USDA. Presented before Div. I, Soil Science Society of America, Dec. 7, 1960, at Chicago, Ill.

² Soil Scientist and Chief Soil Scientist, respectively, U. S. Water Conservation Laboratory, Southwest Branch, SWCRD, ARS, USDA, Tempe, Ariz.

Received for publication February 11, 1961. Accepted for publication June 16, 1961.