Question: I need to install soil solution samplers for vadose zone monitoring. What equipment do I need?

First, our technical staff can help you determine the best equipment and solution to meet your project needs. To help our technical staff with your particular application, please review all pertinent literature here on our website for Soil Water Samplers. This should give you the terminology and the concepts of soil solution sampling. Additionally, one should review the American Standard Test Method ASTM D4696-92 2000 (standard Guide for Pore-Liquid Sampling from the Vadose Zone, this is an excellent review of lysimeters and installation methods.

Next, have a site plan with dimensions and sampling locations clearly defined. The surface distances and depths of sampling should be clearly established. This will help define the total lengths of tubing and conduit for the installation.

Next, determine the depth to the soil solution sampler and the soil solution accuracy required (either parts per million or parts per billion). This will help define the model for the soil solution sampler.

Next, consider the regulators who have define the requirements of the project. How much sample is needed for analysis? Again these requirements will help define the lysimeter model.

Next, determine the size of the bore hole. This will help to calculate the quantities of silica flour and bentonite to be used in the project.

Next, determine your needs for pressure and vacuum pumps. Each are required for an adequate soil solution sampling program.

Next, determine the need for sample bottles to transport soil solutions to the lab for analysis.

And finally, determine when the project should be installed and give us the lead time so that we can deliver your products on time.