Product Manual

Page 6 - Mascaro Profile Sampler Instructions
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It appears that some of the most damaging layers
are those that consist of heavy topdressing over
thatch and mat. These layers usually are well-
preserved in the profile. This type of layer can be
quite thin or very heavy, depending upon how
much thatch and mat had accumulated before
being buried with topdressing.
Roots - Root development can be observed by
lifting away the soil with the point of a knife.
Check for white, healthy roots and rhizomes.
Use a microscope or a high-powered magnifying
glass to observe the all-important root hairs.
Another method is to soak the entire profile in a
shallow pan of water and gradually wash away
the soil until the roots ate exposed. Record the
depth and quantity of roots to compare with
future profiles. Brown roots are dead roots.
Excess quantities of these roots may indicate
poor aeration.
Rhizomes - Check the rhizomes. The sampler
cutting blades will have severed them. Take note
of the size and diameter of the rhizomes. If they
are in a viable, healthy state, they will be white
and will snap in two. Observe the spears at the
end of the rhizomes to see that they, too, are in a
healthy state.
Drainage - To test the drainage and capillary
pull of the soil sample, while still in the cutting
shell, slant it about 45 degrees and drip water at
the top of the sample.
Saturate the top of the sample and check the time
it takes the water to teach the bottom. If layers
are present in the profile, the water will be
stopped and will not begin moving down until
saturation above the layer is reached.
Use of Color Slides as a Part of a
Soil Profile Analysis
Taking color slides of your observations will
provide a basis for comparison at a later date and
is highly recommended. Write down a
description to match the photographs. In this
manner, an excellent record will be developed in
order to guide a sound management program.
Good pictures can be used for lectures and/or
published articles. Many agronomists, including
USGA Green Section personnel, frequently
publish articles with profile photographs to
illustrate their main points. Slides are a
convenient way to show Green Committees and
others the problems that may exist, and why they
should be corrected.
Preserving Soil Profile Samples
Preserved soil profile samples can be used in
many ways. They become permanent, life-sized
records of a soil improvement program, and can
be used for teaching purposes.
Following are instructions for preserving soil
samples.
Article by TOM MASCARO
Green Section Committeeman
(Reprinted from the USGA GREEN
SECTION RECORD July, 1992)
Preserving Soil Profile Samples
Preserved soil profile samples can be used in many
ways. They can become a permanent record of a soil
improvement program, or they can be used for teaching
or demonstration purposes. Preservation is simple.
Prepare mounting bases by cutting 4” or 8” pieces of
either 1/8" of 1/4" thick plywood. Sand the edges and
spray both surfaces and edges with clear epoxy enamel
and allow to dry. A supply of these can be made before
taking the soil samples.
After taking the soil profile sample, carefully slide it on
the prepared mounting base. Position the sample so that
it is centered.
While the sample is still moist, thoroughly spray it with
a clear epoxy enamel coating, continuing until the
sample is uniformly saturated. When dry, carefully turn
the sample over and spray the other side. Be sure to
spray the sides, too. After the first coat is dry, spray
again over all surfaces and edges.
Repeat spraying to accumulate at least three coatings
over the sample. Sandy samples will usually require
more coatings than heavy clay soils.
After the final coat is dry, apply silicone glue to the
underside of the sample and attach it to the center of
the mounting board. Place a label with your name,
date, location, and other pertinent information at the
top or bottom of the mounting base.