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A Rapid, Low-Cost Method for Determination of Soil Bulk Density¹

ABSTRACT

Proper characterization of soil bulk density is essential for an accurate interpretation of chemical and microbiological parameters in the field. Reluctance to report soil analyses on a volumetric basis is usually related to requirements of additional time and specialized equipment for determination of soil bulk density. We developed a rapid method utilizing a low-cost hand sampler (< $125) for determination of soil bulk density over several intervals to a depth of 300 mm. The method appears accurate, using five cores per experimental unit, and enables collection of up to ten profiles in the same time required for taking one profile by the Uhland sampling techniques. The method is very precise and coefficients of variation over a range of tillage-management practices, which include inherent soil variability, averaged below 5%. Soil samples collected with this method can also be used for other chemical and microbiological analyses.

¹ Contribution from the Agricultural Research Service, USDA, in cooperation with the Nebraska Agric. Exp. Stn., Univ. Nebraska-Lincoln. Published as Paper no. 7377, Journal Series, Nebr. Agric. Exp. Stn.

² Soil Scientists, ARS, USDA, Univ. Nebr.-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE.

Received for publication June 30, 1983. Accepted for publication January 20, 1984.

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