Soil Sampling

Taking Bulk Density Samples

If you are using a Soil Pit or other Exposed Soil Profile (road cut)

Soil Science Basics

Soil & the Environment

Working with soil

Soil & Students

Soil & Agriculture

3. Using a trowel or shovel, remove the can and the soil surrounding it. Trim the soil from around the can until it is flat against the edges of the can so that the volume of the soil is the same as the volume of the can.

removing can

4. Cover the labeled can with the lid or other cover and return it to the classroom.

sealed can

5. Repeat this procedure so that you have three bulk density samples for each horizon.

3 cans

6. Weigh each sample in its can and record this moist weight on the Bulk Density Data Work Sheet.

can weighed

7. Remove the covers. Place the samples in the soil drying oven until the soils are dry.

can in oven

Back to Soil Science Education Home Page

Webmaster: Izolda Trakhtenberg, izolda@ltpmail.gsfc.nasa.gov
Information Contact: Izolda Trakhtenberg, izolda@ltpmail.gsfc.nasa.gov
Responsible Civil Servant: Dr. Elissa Levine, globe@ltpmail.gsfc.nasa.gov
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Last Updated: September 10, 2001