4
Taking Compaction
Taking Compaction
Taking Compaction
Taking Compaction
Measurements
Measurements
Measurements
Measurements
The SC 900 is a state-of-the-art electronic cone pene-
trometer for use in soil density, trafficability and com-
paction studies. This soil compaction instrument meas-
ures cone index data, logs the data and allows the user
to review the data to make soil management decisions.
It is recommended that compaction measurements be
taken after a rain, or in the spring when the soils have
good moisture content. Measuring soil compaction in
dry soil conditions will not yield meaningful results.
The SC 900 compaction meter should be used before
tillage to determine where the compacted areas of a
field/plot are. Once the compacted areas, along with
compaction depths, have been determined, a much
more effective tillage system can be employed.
The unit works as an efficient diagnostic tool as well as
a management unit after the tillage operation has been
performed. One can determine how deep the soil has
actually been worked and if the tillage operation has
solved the compaction problems.
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When you are doing comparative analysis of the
readings in a field or a plot, the measurements will be
consecutive. The amount of wear of the cone will not
be a factor. In this case, it is recommended that the
cone be replaced when the shoulder is not easily recog-
nizable as a shoulder anymore.
New:
0.505"
Figure 3
Replace the cone as follows:
1. Lay meter on its side
2. Unscrew worn cone by hand or with a
pair of pliers
3. Attach new cone into meter shaft
4. Tighten to a snug fit with hands or pliers. Be
careful not to imprint the cone with pliers.
Replacement cones can be ordered from Spectrum
Technologies or an authorized Spectrum Dealer.