Presampling - Field Sampling: Principles and Practices in Environmental Analysis - page 66

particularly when they are dry. Auger samplers will penetrate rocky soils and allow
sampling of finer fractions, but will not remove larger stones. With extension handles and
proper soil conditions it can be used to sample up to 6 meters deep. If many deep samples
are to be taken, however, using this sampler will require a lot of work and be very time-
consuming.
The bucket-type auger is effective for sandy, muddy, and rocky soils. Hand-operated
samplers of this type can sample up to 6 meters deep, but need extension handles and the
proper soil conditions, along with a lot of effort and time for sampling. Rocks will
sometimes cause problems if they get caught in the blades of the sampler. In such a case
they prevent further sampling, and their removal can interfere with the sampling process
and obtaining an adequate sample. Larger rocks can prevent this sampler from
penetrating the soil and thus prevent a sample from being obtained.
There are a number of types of core samplers, which consist of a hollow tube inserted
into the soil. When the tube is withdrawn it contains a core of soil. This core is removed,
and all or part of it is taken as the sample. Simple versions of this type of sampler are
inserted by hand and work well with fine-textured soils without too much moisture.
Under such conditions it can be used to sample 1 meter or more in depth. Under
favorable conditions this is the quickest and easiest type of sampler to use. This sampler
is not productive when used with very dry, sandy soils, however. A