Where typically used | Agricultural and forestered soils. | Soil engineering. |
Equipment needed | Field core sampler, soil sleeves and containers, putty knife, oven, balance. | Shovel, plastic bags or saran wrap, water, measuring container, paper bags, oven, balance. |
Ease of operation | Simple to operate, but some older models somewhat bulky and heavy. On many models, sample canister can be very difficult to screw off. | Some care needed in collecting all soil excavated and when estimating volume. |
Transportability | Most very portable, althought somewhat heavy. Some older models may require two people to transport to field site. | Tools easily transported. Water may need to be transported to sampling site. |
Cost | Approximately $250 | Less than $20. |
Field factors limiting use | Limited use in wet, dry, rocky or sandy soils. Rocks or roots in sample may affect accuracy. | Can be used in, wet, dry, rocky, or sandy soils (if sides of hole do not cave in). Difficult on slopes or for sampling at depth. |