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Recording Cone Penetrometer Developed in Reclamation Research
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1986
Year
Precision AgricultureEnvironmental MonitoringEngineeringMeasurementLand UseSoil StrengthSoil ConservationLand DegradationCone Penetrometer DevelopedSocial SciencesGeotechnical EngineeringSoil PropertySoil CharacterizationCalibrationGeoenvironmental EngineeringInstrumentationSurveyingGeographySoil Physical QualitySoil TechnologyCivil EngineeringSoil Strength ProfilesFarming SystemsReclaimed Land
Abstract A constant rate cone penetrometer has been developed for use in a strip mine reclamation project at the Univ. of Illinois. The device is capable of recording soil strength profiles to a depth of 112 cm. (44 in.). It utilizes a tractor‐mounted hydraulic coring machine as a source of movement. A chart recorder and data acquisition system are operated by 12 V DC electrical power. The penetrometer is effective in detecting soil layers where compaction is likely to inhibit root system development. It is useful in measuring soil strength in mine soils where the amount and depth of compaction may vary due to reclamation methods. Differences in soil strength may prove to be a clue to crop performance on reclaimed land.