Physical characterization

We use the following physical characterization methods consistent with those published by the NRCS and in the Soil Survey Lab manual. Please consult the references listed at the end of each section to learn more about physical methods.

Bulk density

Core method, Clod method

References

Kettler, T.A., Doran, J.W., Gilbert, T.L., 2001. Simplified method for soil particle-size determination to

accompany soil quality analyses. Soil Science Society of America Journal 65, 849–852.

Soil Survey Staff. 2009. Soil Survey Field and Laboratory Methods Manual. Soil Survey Investigations Report No. 51, Version 1.0. R. Burt (ed.). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Soil Survey Staff. 2014. Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual. Soil Survey Investigations Report No. 42, Version 5.0. R. Burt and Soil Survey Staff (ed.). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Particle Size Analysis

Hydrometer (NRCS lab manual; youtube video),

Micro-pipette method (NRCS lab manual),

Rapid method (Kettler et al., 2001)

Integral suspension pressure method (PARIO)

Hydraulic conductivity

Constant and falling head using KSAT (KSAT manual, KSAT software -see downloads tab)

Soil moisture release curves and hydraulic conductivity are measured using tensiometers and the simplified evaporation method (HYPROP).

HYPROP manuals are available in 438A and can be found here.

Instructional videos found here.

Older HYPROP refill video here. (Note - best to let the tensiometers to degas overnight)