New Soils Tools Available for NRCS Staff

EM-38

The EM38 is a sensor that measures electrical current charge in the soil.  Soil electrical conductivity (EC), the EM38 provides measurement of ground conductivity (quad-phase) and magnetic susceptibility (in-phase) within two effective depth ranges: EM-38 works only with a fixed frequency and has an effective measurement depth of 1.5 m (5 ft.) in horizontal dipole mode or 0.75 m (2.5 ft.) in vertical dipole mode. Soil EC is a measurement that correlates to soil properties affecting crop productivity, including soil texture, cation exchange capacity (CEC), drainage conditions, organic matter (O.M.) level, salinity, and subsoil characteristics. With field verification, soil EC can be related to specific soil properties that affect crop yield, such as topsoil depth, pH, salt concentrations, and water-holding capacity. The EC value is a combined result of physical and chemical properties of soil.

The Cornell Sprinkle Infiltrometer

Soil infiltrability is an important soil quality indicator, as it has important agricultural and environmental implications and is strongly affected by land management practices.  Measurement of soil infiltrability is generally done through ponded ring infiltration or simulated rainfall, each having specific advantages and disadvantages.  The Cornell Sprinkle Infiltrometer (Ogden et al., 1997) was designed to combine the advantages of both.  It also allows for easy and rapid measurement of soil infiltration, as this is essential to adequately estimate spatially and temporally-variable infiltration behavior (van Es, 1993).

The Cornell Sprinkle Infiltrometer system consists of a portable rainfall simulator that is placed onto a single 241-mm (9 1/2") inner diameter infiltration ring and allows for application of simulated rainfall at a wide range of predetermined rates.   The apparatus permits the determination of several important soil hydrological properties:  Time-to-runoff, sorptivity, and field-saturated infiltrability.

Hach Soil Testing Kit

A test kit for professional scientists and non-scientists alike, the SIW-1 Soil and Irrigation Water Test Kit is ideal for fertility analysis, site characterization, and irrigation water quality assessment under a wide variety of conditions. Farmers, researchers, extension agents, and educators can use the versatile test kit at remote sites, in the classroom, or even in areas lacking electricity.

Other Equipment Available

• Amoozemeter
• Shoring Equipment for Soil Pits

Last Modified: 06/22/2007

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