Hand-operated equipment can be applied for soil research up to a depth of 5 to 10 meter. In this product information leaflet a number of gouge augers are described. Their mutual quality is that 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 single gouge augers can not be extended and are supplied in various lengths and diameters. The single gouge augers too are delivered in standard sets:

• For the very hard soils and soils containing gravel a set with a gouge auger of the Purckhauer type (complete) with hammer and mechanical extraction system accessories and a strong carrying bag (art. no.: 04.01.SC).

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.