BUCKET AUGER MODIFICATION FOR OBTAINING UNDISTURBED SAMPLES OF DEEP SAPROLITE

A simple modification of a standard bucket auger and an associated sampling system provide an efficient and inexpensive means of obtaining undisturbed samples of deep saprolite. Samples can be used for determination of bulk density, water holding capacity, and coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE), or examination of macro- or micromorphology. Bulk density values determined for B and C horizons with a modified bucket auger (values ranging from 1.32 to 1.68 g/cm3) were comparable to those obtained by either clod or double cylinder methods.