9
VARIOS
2.4.1 UNDISTURBED SOIL SAMPLE
The first option uses an undisturbed soil sample transferred from the field so the measured
parameters can be transferred from and be representative of the respective field site. This
makes it important to take the soil sample with as little disturbance and change in soil
structure as possible.
METER recommends using METER soil sample rings because the highly polished stainless
steel surface minimizes friction and soil disturbance. The soil remains intact and air pockets
are reduced. The METER soil sample ring volume that is standard for thermal measurements
is 250 mL. It is also possible to use other soil sample rings, but the limiting factor is the
length of the sensor needle used, as well as the maximum weight the Balance can weigh
when using VARIOS thermal dryout set up. The HYPROP Balance is able to weigh as much as
2,200 g and, if a larger sample ring is used, it could end up weighing more than the Balance
can handle.
The tools needed to collect an undisturbed soil sample are listed below (
):
• duct tape
• spade
• knife
• METER soil sample ring
• METER hammering adapter
• PE hammer
• transport box for moving the sample ring from the field to the lab (not shown).
Soil hammering
adapter
Soil sample ring
Duct
tape
Cutting
edge
PE hammer
Figure 5 METER soil hammering adapter and hammer
The following steps describe how to collect an undisturbed soil sample.
1. Place a piece of duct tape over the drilling holes in the sample ring.
2. Cut off any vegetation to show the bare soil.