Product Manual

Page 5 - www.turf-tec.com
WHAT IS A SOIL COMPACTION TESTER?
Your Soil Compaction Tester is a Penetrometer which measures the compaction of soil and is based
on the ASAE S313.3 standard. The tester is supplied with two tips: a small tip (1/2” diameter) for use
in firm soil and a large tip (3/4”diameter) for use in soft soil. The dial has two scales (one for each tip)
that are calibrated in pounds per square inch of the base area of the cone shaped tip.
THE DIAL IS COLOR-CODED FOR REFERENCE
Green (0 - 200 psi) -
Good Growing
Conditions
Yellow (200 - 300 psi) -
Fair Growing Conditions
Red (300 psi and above)
- Poor Growing
Conditions
Note: The gauge is
engineered to have a
positive load, thus the
needle does not always
contact the pin on the low
end of the green scale.
This will not affect the
readings for either index
scale
Best time to use the Soil Compaction Tester
Farming
The best time to use the Tester is in early spring before you till the soil. The soil should
have a good moisture content because the moisture content and soil texture will affect
the readings of the Soil Compaction Tester.
It is best to compare the readings of the same soil type and moisture content. Check a
fence row and then check the field area for comparison. Several tests should be made
in an area to get a more accurate reading. The Soil Compaction Tester will help you
determine if you have a compaction layer and, if so, the depth of the layer. After tilling,
the Tester will determine how deep you actually worked the soil and if your tillage
operation solved the problem.
Turfgrass
The best time to use the Tester is at the same time period each day. If you irrigate
daily, test at least two hours after irrigation and only if on rainfall has occurred within a
48 hour period. Soil moisture is key to being able to compare your compaction readings
over time so it is highly suggested that you also measure and record your soil moisture
readings each tile you check your compaction with a moisture sensor to ensure soil
moisture is in the same range each time you test. If soil is wet one time and dry the
next time you test, compaction trends will not be comparable.
Different soil textures will also affect the readings of the Soil Compaction Tester.