Core Versus Nuclear Gauge Methods of Determining Soil Bulk Density and Moisture Content

Abstract

Soil bulk and moisture content measurements were obtained using two nuclear gauge systems and those compared to those obtained from soil cores. The soils, a Hiwassee sandy loam, a Lakeland loamy sand, and a Loyd clay, were free of organic matter and uniform in mechanical composition. The regression equations developed for the nuclear guages for the first phase of the study failed to predict bulk density and moisture content in the validation phase. The test results indicate that if greater confidence is placed on the standard soil core determinations, then regression equations should be develoed for the nuclear gauges in each soil condition and for each soil type.

Citation

Steele, Jacqueline G.; Koger, Jerry L.; Trouse, Albert C., Jr.; Sirois, Donald L. 1983. Core Versus Nuclear Gauge Methods of Determining Soil Bulk Density and Moisture Content. Res. Note SO-295. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 5 p.