Hand-operated equipment can be applied for soil research up to a depth of 5 to 10 meter. The gouge augers have a mutual quality, they are all fitted with an almost half cylindrical operational part with parallel cutting edges running vertically, justifying the name gouge auger. This operational part may vary in length as well as in diameter. The most suitable length depends on the penetration resistance, the substance of the soil and the required boring depth. The longer the operational part the more vulnerable the auger is to torsion.

The selection of the most suitable diameter depends on the composition and the structure of the soil and on the purpose of the research. In general a smaller diameter is applied in soils with a fine and/or dense structure, by comparison to soils with a loose structure (for instance young swampy peat). The bi-partite gouge augers can be extended by coupling an extension rod. In this way samplings can be carried out in a very short time and greater depths can be reached.

The bi-partite gouge auger set SA is a standard set for sampling in more or less soft soils to a depth of 5 metres. The set has a bayonet connection and contains gouge augers with various lengths and diameters, an Edelman auger, extension accessories, push-/pull handle and a strong carrying bag for transport in the field.

Applications

Because of the minimal disturbance of the sample, the gouge auger is frequently applied in profile research for:

•     Soil mapping.
•     Soil suitability reviews.
•     Educational purposes.
•     Root research.
•     Soil sampling for fertilization research.
•     Clay distribution research.
•     Paleontological research.