Product Manual

Page 2

INFILTROMETER INSTRUCTIONS

Outline of Uses

The Turf-Tec Infiltrometer was specifically designed to give infiltration readings directly on

site. It can give you a reading on the rate of water percolation through grass, thatch, mat

and soil as well as directly on bare soil.

Reliability of testing and reducing variables

Saturated test (The most reliable test method):

The most reliable test method for measuring infiltration is called a saturated test. This

method is performed by placing the Turf-Tec Infiltrometer directly into the soil to be tested

and filling the rings 2-3 times, allowing the water to infiltrate into the soil between fillings.

Once the soil is saturated, you can perform the test.

Moisture Sensing (The quickest test method):

Another reliable method for testing infiltration is to use a Moisture Sensor. Moisture

Sensor readings should be taken at one, two, three and four inch levels of the soil to be

tested using a Turf-Tec Moisture Sensor and the readings should be recorded. The

infiltration test can then be performed on that area. This method should be repeated for

each test area. In addition, the next time the same area is to be tested for infiltration, be

sure the Moisture Sensor readings are in the exact same range before testing. This will

eliminate any variables and still produces a reliable test.

Testing on irrigated areas:

Another way to insure a proper infiltration reading on irrigated areas is to use this

instrument approximately one hour after irrigation. A visual indication of soil moisture

should also be noted by using a Soil Profile Sampler. When using this method, be sure no

rainfall has occurred within 48 hours of the test to remove this variable.

Correlating your readings

If the results from your Turf-Tec Infiltrometer show that the soil readings are one inch of

water absorbed per hour, this should be recorded.

This reading should not be used as a conclusive result for all areas because each area

tested most likely will have different variables like vegetative cover, soil organic matter

content, soil physical properties, compaction, soil texture and other factors. The variables

all affect infiltration rate.