Re: [compost_tea] Re: Inclusion of clay in compost

From: <soilfoodweb_at_aol.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 16:03:51 EST

 
How precise do you have to be in your measurements?
 
Easiest way for a generally useful moisture content is to squeeze the
sample. VERY approximate way to know, but it's simple, fast, and generally gives
you the info most growers need. If water drips when you pick up the sample,
you are over water saturation point.
 
If you squeeze the sample, and get a few drips, you are about 50% (variation
with organic matter content here, but we aren't talking a requirements for
precision when you use this method). If you can't squeeze any water out, you
are less than 40% moisture. IF you open your hand, and the sample sticks
together, you are 30 to 40% moisture, if the sample falls apart dry, you are
less than 30%. Less than wilting point if you blow on the soil and dust flies.
 
Now, if you need to be PRECISE about moisture, then you weigh out a known
amount of the sample, dry it overnight in the oven set at 80 F (if you don't
want things to volatilize). There are other temps you can use if you want to
be faster than overnight, check EPA literature if it concerns you.
 
For CO2, you want a CO2 meter. Several companies make good CO2 probes,
check Pike Agri-labs.
 
Hope this helps -
 
Elaine
 
 

How do you measure moisture content and CO2 content?
Thanks,
Bill in AL



 
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Elaine R. Ingham
Soil Foodweb Inc., Corvallis, Oregon
Soil Foodweb Inc., Port Jefferson, New York
Soil Foodweb Institute, Lismore Australia
Soil Foodweb Institute Cambridge, New Zealand
Laboratorios de Soil Foodweb, Culiacan, Mexico
Soil Foodweb Inc., Jerome, Idaho
Soil Foodweb Inc., South Africa








Received on Tue Feb 08 2005 - 01:33:52 EST

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