1. For each horizon in your soil profile, push a can with a known volume into the side of the horizon. If necessary, wet the soil first so that the can will go in easily. Stop when you can see some of the soil poking through the small hole in the bottom of the can. (Remember, you will collect three samples from each horizon in your profile.)
2. If it is still difficult to push the can into the soil, you may need to place a piece of wood over the can and hit the wood with the hammer to spread the force of the hammer blow to all edges of the can at once and to minimize denting the can.

Note: Some denting is allowed in the procedure, but if the can dents too badly, consider taking a bulk density sample using the auger method for dense, hard, or rocky horizons.