Aquaculture Engineering

Soil sampling - types - Undisturbed sample

Unit 3- Soil and its properties

Soil Sampling

Types - Undisturbed soil samples
An undisturbed sample is that in which the natural structures and properties remain preserved. This represents exactly how the soil was in its natural slate before sampling. Undisturbed samples are necessary for the more sophisticated tests which must be performed in the laboratory for more detailed, physical and chemical analysis. Undisturbed samples must be collected with the greater care for they should represent exactly the nature of the soil. For complete study of the soils in the site it is necessary to conduct both disturbed and undisturbed samples test. Soil samples for aquaculture are normally taken to a depth of 2 m so each soil horizon up to that depth can be examined. If the water table is found at a depth of less than 2 m soil samples should always be taken as deep as possible.