A dynamic cone penetrometer for measuring soil penetration resistance

Recognition of the importance of soil compaction is increasing, but instrument cost, measurement repeatability, and data interpretation limit its measurement on agricultural and rangelands. The dynamic penetrometer described here follows American Society of Agricutlural Engineers standards, but repl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSoil Science Society of America journal Vol. 66; no. 4; pp. 1320 - 1324
Main Authors Herrick, Jeffrey E., Jones, Tim L.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Madison Soil Science Society 01.07.2002
Soil Science Society of America
American Society of Agronomy
Subjects
Agricultural engineering
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Measuring instruments
Penetrometers
Soils
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Summary:Recognition of the importance of soil compaction is increasing, but instrument cost, measurement repeatability, and data interpretation limit its measurement on agricultural and rangelands. The dynamic penetrometer described here follows American Society of Agricutlural Engineers standards, but replaces the proving ring with a strike plate, a shaft extension, and a sliding hammer. The penetrometer cone is pushed into the soil by successive hammer blows. Penetration resistance is calculated as the work by the soil needed to stop cone movement divided by the penetration distance. The work by the soil is defined as the kinetic energy of the hammer when it impacts the strike plate. Construction cost is approximately $100 to $150. The standard drop height and hammer mass ensure measurements are consistent between operators.
Bibliography:Joint contribution from the USDA‐ARS Jornada Experimental Range, and the New Mexico Agric. Exp. Stn.
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ISSN:0361-5995
1435-0661
DOI:10.2136/sssaj2002.1320