EIJKELKAMP 0801 User manual

M-0801E
Sandbox for pF-determination
Eijkelkamp Soil & Water
Nijverheidsstraat 30, 6987 EM
Giesbeek, the Netherlands
T [phone]
E [e-mail]
I www.eijkelkamp.com © 2019-01
Meet the difference
User manual

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Contents
On these operating instructions..........................................................................................................................................3
1. Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................3
2. Description of the sandbox............................................................................................................................................. 3
3. Technicalspecications...................................................................................................................................................4
4. Assembling the sandbox.................................................................................................................................................. 5
4.1 Before setting up the sandbox.................................................................................................................................5
4.2Setting up the sandbox.............................................................................................................................................. 7
5. Using the sandbox........................................................................................................................................................... 13
6. Tabletobelledinasmeasurementsaretaken...................................................................................................17
7. Troubleshooting...............................................................................................................................................................18
8. Maintenance of suction tables.....................................................................................................................................18
Appendix 1: General Information....................................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix 2: Description of different pF-sets................................................................................................................. 22
Appendix 3: Conversion factors ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Appendix 4: Soil sampling...................................................................................................................................................24
References and literature ...................................................................................................................................................25
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previouswrittenpermissionfromEijkelkampSoil&Water.Technicaldatacanbeamendedwithoutpriornotication.
Eijkelkamp Soil & Water is not responsible for (personal) damage due to (improper) use of the product.
Eijkelkamp Soil & Water is interested in your reactions and remarks about its products and operating instructions.

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On these operating instructions
If the text follows a mark (as shown on the left), this means that an important instruction follows.
If the text follows a mark (as shown on the left), this means that an important warning follows
relating to danger to the user or damage to the apparatus.The user is always responsible for its
own personal protection.
Italic indicated text indicates that the text concerned appears in writing on the display (or must be
typed).
1. Introduction
This Sandbox (acc. to ISO 11274) (art. no.: 0801) can be used to apply a range of pressures from pF 0 (saturation)
to pF 2.0 (-100 hPa). Sand is used to convey the suction from the drainage system to the soil samples. The
surfaceofthesandisexible,whichmakesiteasiertorestorethecontactbetweenit,andthesamples,after
they have been removed for weighing. This quality makes sand a better suction material than a stiff porous
plate, for this instrument.
IftheinuenceofhigherpF-valuesneedstobemeasured,thenadditionalequipmentisrequired.TheSand/
Kaolin box (art. no: 0802SA) can be used to determine moisture percentages at pF-values from 2.0 (-100 hPa)
to 2.7 (-500 hPa), while the pressure membrane apparatus (art. no.: 0803) can create pressures from pF 3.0
to pF 4.2. A pF-value of 4.2 is equal to -15,000 hPa of pressure, which is often taken as the lower limit of soil
moisture availability to plants.
Results of measurements taken with this sandbox correspond with points on the drying curves of the relevant
samples; associated with decreasing pressure. These pressure values are usually standard water potential
increments. The wetting curve, on the other hand, is determined by graphing the water content against
increasing pressure values. This curve is not identical to the drying curve, because the water content does
not respond instantaneously to changes in pressure (Hysteresis).
2. Description of the sandbox
The assembled sandbox can be seen in Figure 1. In the bottom of the box (1) is a PVC-pipe drainage system
(4).Thisboxislledwithnesyntheticsand,whichiscoveredwithanylonltercloth.Theassemblagestage
(Chapter 4) is only necessary prior to the initial use of the sandbox: After which, with proper maintenance
(Chapter9),thesandboxcanbeusedforseveralyears.Soilsamplecoreringsareplacedontopofthelter
cloth to take measurements.
If the sandbox has already been assembled then begin at Chapter 5.
The ‘Hanging Water Principle’ is used to apply suction to the soil samples. The difference in height between the
suction regulator (11) and the middle of the soil samples determines the amount of pressure. Pressure heads
(h)between0and-100cmcanbeapplied.Thesuctionregulator(11)isadjustedtoapplyspecicpressuresto
thesoilsamples.Thesamplesareweighedaftertheyhavereachedequilibriumataspecicpressure.Finally,
thesamplesaredriedandweighedtodeducethewatercontentateachspecicpressure.

Text


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3. Technicalspecications
Item Specication
Soil sample rings (Ø 53mm) Max. 40
Dimensions of the box on its stand (excl. supply bottle etc.) 55.0 x 33.5 x 37.5 cm (l x w x h)
Operating range 0 hPa - 100 hPa 0 bar - 0.1 bar
pF 0 – pF 2.0
Reading accuracy 0.0001 bar
Fig. 1 : Assembled sandbox with numbered components
7
6
8
Tap B
Tap C
Tap A
14 43
10
12
11
9
13
5 1 2
Backside of sandbox
Tap D
1 Box
2 Box frame
3 Box lid
4 Drainage pipe
5 Supply pipe
6 Supply bottle
7 Bottle lid
8 Bottle stand
9 Discharge pipe
10 Sliding measuring stand
11 Suction regulator
12 Evaporation reservoir
13 Outowpipe
14 Sample
1 metre

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4. Assembling the sandbox
If the sandbox is already assembled then skip to Chapter 5.
All of the tubes are connected and tested for leakage before delivery.
Take care not to break the tube connections while unpacking.
Construct the sandbox using the following instructions (numbers refer to Figure 1).
4.1 Before setting up the sandbox
Beforethesandboxisassembled,theplasticdrainagepipe(4)insidethebox(1)mustbecoveredwithlter
cloth.Thesuppliedlterclothhastwolayers,andis6cmwide.Theplasticdrainagepipeneedstobecovered
by 3 layers of cloth to disperse the suction, and to stop sand from blocking the pipe’s holes when this suction
is applied.
Toapplythelterclothtothepipe,thefollowingstepsshouldbefollowed:
1. Cuta3.5mlongsectionfromthesuppliedrollofltercloth.
2. Cutdownonesidethelterclothtomakeasingle12cm
wide layer (Fig. 2).
3. To knot the cloth to the pipe, a 10 cm long section is cut into
the end of the strip to form two ties (Fig. 3)


Fig. 2 Cut 3.5 m down one side
Fig. 3 The 10 cm long ‘ties’

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4. Saturatethelterclothindemineralisedwater(Fig.4).
5. Tiethelterclothtooneendofthedrainagepipe-where
it enters the inside of the box.
6. Coilthelterclotharoundthedrainagepipesothateach
consecutive winding covers two thirds of the width of the
previous one. This will ensure that the entire pipe is covered
bythreelayersofltercloth(Fig.5).
7. Fasten the cloth at the other end of the pipe.
8. Cut off the extra cloth, and tie the end to one end of the
drainage pipe (Fig. 6).
Fig. 4 Saturate the lter cloth
< 12 cm >
4 cm
< >
Three
layers
cloth
Drainage pipe surface
Fig. 5 Filter cloth winding
Fig. 6 Complete cloth covering

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4.2 Setting up the sandbox
1. Select a completely level, vibration free table that is at least
1.0 m high.
Vibration may cause a leak between the sidewalls of
the box and the sand.
2. Place the sandbox on this table, with tap A facing the front
and turned to the ‘Closed’ position (Fig. 7).
3. Fix the sliding measuring stand (10) with suction regulator
(11) and evaporation reservoir (12) to the box (1), using the
two bolts provided (Fig. 8).
4. Allowtheoutowpipe(13)fromthesuctionregulator(11)
to hang from the table into a bucket (Fig. 9).
5. Boil8litreofdeminineralizedwater,andllthesupply
bottle (6) with it once it has been left to cool (you may add
Copper Sulphate to reduce algae/bacterial activity).
6. Place the supply bottle (6) on its stand (8) to the left of the
box. The stand elevates the base of the bottle to the same
height as the base of the box (1).
Fig. 7 Tap A 'Closed'

Fig. 8 Fix sliding measuring stand
Fig. 9 Outow from suction regulator

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7. Connect the supply bottle (6) to tap A with the supply pipe
from the back of the box. Leave tap A ‘Closed’ (Fig. 10).
You may add (0.01 mg/l) copper sulphate to reduce
microbiological activity
The water level in the supply bottle should not be
higher than the top of the box, because it may cause
thewatertoowtooquickly(7500ml).
8. Air bubbles should now be removed from the piping in the
system. Begin by opening the lid of the supply bottle (6),
and turning the supply tap B 'On' (Fig. 11).
9. Turn tap A, on the front of the box, to ‘Supply’, and allow
watertoowfromthesupplybottle(6)intothebox(1)until
the box is half-full with water (Fig. 12).
10. Turn tap A to the ‘Closed’position.
Fig. 10 Supply bottle attached to tap A


Fig. 11 Turn tap B 'On'
Fig. 12 Half-ll box with water
The water level in the supply bottle (1) should never fall below the plastic drainage pipe inside the
box (4500 ml). Turn tap A to ‘Closed’whenrellingthesupplybottle.Letthewatersettleinthe
supply bottle before returning tap A to ‘Supply’.Tapgentlyonthetubesaswaterisowingtohelp
bubbles escape.

Tap B
Tap A (back)
To supply
bottle

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11. Open tap D, at the back of the box (green) and allow some
watertoowfromthebox(1)intoabeaker(Fig.13).
The water level in the box (1) should never fall below
the plastic drainage pipe.
12. When there are no bubbles left between tap B and tap D,
close tap D while leaving tap B open.
13. Turn tap A to the ‘Closed’ position. There should now be no
bubbles between tap B and tap A, and between tap A and
the drainage pipe.
14. Fill the regulator bottle of the evaporation reservoir (12)
with demineralised water, and put the plug back in before
replacing the bottle (Fig. 14).
15. Set the suction regulator (11) to its lowest position (max.
suction) near the bucket. (Fig. 15).
16. Turn tap A to ‘Discharge’,andallowwatertoowfromthe
box (1) through the suction regulator (11) into a bucket
until there are no bubbles between tap A and the suction
regulator (Fig. 15).
In general: if you place the tap in the discharge position,
theremustbeawaterowfromthesandboxtowardsthe
suction regulator (this is the position for measurements).
 Ifthetapisplacedinthesupplypositionthereisawaterow
from the supply bottle towards the sandbox. Important is
to have the water level in the supply bottle always higher
than the sand level in the box.

Fig. 13 Air bubbles released through tap D
Fig. 14 Evaporation reservoir
Tap D
Fig. 15 Suction regulator at maximum

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17. Turn tap A to the ‘Closed’ position.
18.Leave tap B on so that water runs out of tap C when you
openit.LetsomewateroutoftapCtoremovethenalair
bubbles (Fig. 16).
There must be no air-bubbles in the system from this
point onwards.
19. Saturate some synthetic sand with running demineralised
waterandstirrmlytoremoveair(Fig.17).Thereshould
be a high ratio of water to sand (Fig. 18) so that it can be
easily poured into the box (1). For the textural composition
of the sand see Table 1.
Table 1: Textural composition of synthetic sand
Particlediameter(mμ) Percentage occurence
106 0
75 6.3
63 61.4
53 22.1
45 4.4
<45 5.8
20.Slowly pour the water-saturated sand into the water in
the sandbox (Fig. 19) while the water is constantly stirred
to expel any entrapped air. Alternatively, the sand may be
added with a ladle.
Be careful to avoid damaging the drain system while
stirring.


Fig. 16 Let some water out of tap C
Fig. 17 Saturate sand with water
Fig. 18 A high ratio of water to sand
Fig. 19 Adding water-saturated sand
Tap C

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21. The sand should be pressed against the side walls of the
sandbox, and into the corners, to make sure that the sand
does not contain air pockets and a good seal between sand
and box is established (Fig. 20).
22. When the water level in the box becomes too high, then turn
tap A to ‘Discharge’.Allowtheexcesswatertoowoutinto
a bucket. Always retain a layer of water above the sand and
drainage system (Fig. 21).
23. Stop adding the saturated sand when the sand level is about
5 cm above the highest point of the plastic drainage pipe,
or about 6.5 cm below the rim of the box (1) (Fig. 22).
There must be at least 6 cm of space between the
sand and the top of the box to place the soil sample
rings under the lid.
24.Excess water can now be drained – leaving 0.5 cm of water
above the surface level of the sand. Put the suction regulator
at its lowest point, and turn tap A to ‘Discharge’ (Fig. 23).
The sand level must always remain 0.5 cm under
water, otherwise air will be sucked into the sand.
25. Smoothen the surface of the sand, and leave it to settle (Fig.
24).
Fig. 20 Achieve a good seal
Fig. 21 Retain 0.5 cm water above the sand
5 cm
↔
Fig. 22 Depth of the sand

Fig. 23 Tap A 'Discharge'

Fig. 24 Smoothen sand with a clean ruler

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26.Turn Tap A to the ‘Supply’ position, and open Tap B. Water
fromthesupplybottlewillnowowthroughthedrain
andremovenalairresidues.Eachtimeairappearstobe
entrapped, the above described procedure is repeated to
remove it. (Fig. 25).
The supply bottle cap must be open.
27. Once the surface layer of the sand is completely covered
with a 1 cm layer of water, all taps must be closed.
28.Cover the surface area of the sand with a piece of fully
saturated protection cloth.
29. Disperse any air bubbles between the protection cloth and
the sand by gently smoothing from the centre outwards (Fig.
26).
30.The middle of the soil sample is used as the reference level
for zero pressure. Use the omega ruler (Fig. 27) to set the
zero point on the sliding ruler to the correct height.
31. Gently loosen the small screws at the back of the sliding
measuring stand to allow the ruler to be adjusted.
Fig. 25 Remove nal air residues

Fig. 26 Disperse bubbles under the cloth
Fig. 27 Side view of the Omega ruler
10 cm
6 cm
2.5 cm
DM
water
Flow
Flow ↑ Saturated sand ↑Flow

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32.If you are using the standard 5 cm high sample rings then
the upper edge of one horizontal arm of the Omega ruler
indicates the Zero point (Fig. 28) when the lower edge of
theotherhorizontalarmisatonthesurfaceofthesand.
(Fig. 27)
33.If you are using sample rings with a different depth then the
Zero point is half the depth of that sample ring above the
lower edge of the horizontal arm of the Omega ruler (sand
surface).
The sandbox (art. no. 0801) is now ready to use.
For instructions on how to use the sandbox please
see Chapter 5.
5. Using the sandbox
The laboratory should have a constant temperature
between measurements, since temperature changes
affect water viscosity and therefore water retention
values.
1. See Appendix 4 for how to take a proper soil sample.
2. Uncap the core sample ring. If the sampled soil volume is
larger than the volume of the core ring, carefully remove
excess soil by ‘chipping’ it off with a sharp edged tool.
Prevent smearing the sample surface so as not to affect the
physical properties of the soil (Fig. 29).
3. Fix a piece of nylon cloth to the bottom side (sharp edged)
of the sample with an elastic-band, or an O-ring (Fig. 30).
Mark the samples (see also Fig. 35).
If the soil volume is less than the volume of the ring,
or if the sample has been damaged during transport,
the sample should not be used for analysis.
Also samples with large projecting stones may have
to be discarded.
2.5 cm
Zero point
Sand surface
Soil sampe ring 5 cm
Omega ruler
Fig. 28 End-on view of Omega ruler


Fig. 29 Chip off excess soil - don't smear!
Fig. 30 Cloth and O-ring on sample


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4. Ensure that a 0.5 cm layer of water is covering the surface
of the sand in the sandbox (Fig. 31).
5. Place the soil sample with the bottom side down in the
sandbox. Let the sample adapt for 1 hour (Fig. 32).
6. To saturate the sample, Turn tap A to ‘Supply’ and slowly
raise the water level to 1 cm below the top of the sample
ring.
Fast raising of the water level will entrap air and may
damage soil structure. (Fig. 33).
7. Turn tap A to the ‘Closed’ position when the water level is 1
cm below the top of the sample rings (Fig. 34).
8. Place a lid on the basin (to prevent evaporation) and allow
the sample to saturate for 2 or 3 days (sandy soils) or up to
1 or 2 weeks (clayey soils).
Takecare not to leave sandysoils wetting fortoo long
since slaking may occur.


Fig. 31 Retain 0.5 cm water above the sand
Fig. 32 Allow samples to adapt for 1 hour
Fig. 33 Tap A in 'Supply' position
Fig. 34 Saturate sample (water 1 cm
below top)

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9. Mark the rings, and draw a diagram of the box, so that the
rings can be replaced in exactly the sample place after
removal (Fig. 35).
10.Take the ring carefully out of the water basin and wipe off
any water drops hanging underneath the sample before
weighing it (accuracy of balance 0.01 g) (Fig. 36).
This weight (including ring, cloth and elastic) is used to
calculate water content at saturation, pF 0 (weight A, See
Chapter 6).
Record any irregularities that occurred during
saturation (e.g. swelling of clayey soils, changes in
soil structure, accidental loss of soil material).
12
3 4
Fig. 35 Mark samples before placing them
Fig. 36 Weigh the samples

Fig. 37 Press to ensure soil-sand contact
Water content measurements at pF 0 are relatively inaccurate:
• Itisdifculttotransferthesaturatedsampletoabalancewithoutchangingwatercontent,especiallywith
sandy samples.
• The middle of the soil sample is used as the reference level for zero pressure, but the free water level
(h = 0) is in fact 1 cm below the top of the sample ring. The moisture tension thus ranges from +1 cm at the
bottom of the sample, to -4 cm at the top of the sample. Note that at lower pressures this difference due
to sample size becomes less important.
11. Place the ring on the sandbox. Press the ring slightly, to
improve soil - sand contact. (Fig. 37).
12. Slide the suction regulator so that a pressure of -2.5 cm
head is applied to the centre of the samples (this level is
equal to the level of the sand when standard 5 cm sample
rings are used.)
13. Leave the sample to equilibrate, (with the lid on the box to
stop evaporation). This will take a few days for sandy soil
and up to a week for clayey soils. Fig. 38 Pressure of -2.5 cm head (pF 0.4)

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14. Gently remove the samples and weigh them (Fig. 39).
15. To check equilibrium, place the sample on the suction table
at exact the same place (take care that the contact between
sand and sample is restored) and weigh the sample again
the next day. In case of equilibrium with the created tension,
the difference in water content will not exceed 0.002 in
volume fraction.
16. If equilibrium between soil moisture content and pressure
has been established, record the weight of the sample. Wipe
sand grains and water drops from underneath the sample
before weighing - for calculation of soil water content weight
A, see Chapter 6.
17. Moisten the sand surface with a wet sponge. Don’t remove
theltercloth-justcleanandsmoothenitatthesametime
to remove air bubbles and impressions (Fig. 40).
18.Replace the soil samples on the sand at exactly the same
position as they were previously. (Use the diagram made
earlier) (Fig. 41).
19. Slide the suction regulator down to the next standard water
potential increment, so that a greater suction is applied to
the centre of the samples. For example: -10.0 cm water (pF
1.0), -31.6 cm water (pF 1.5), -63.1 cm water (pF 1.8) and -100
cm water (pF 2.0). (Fig. 42)
20.Wait for soil-water equilibrium (Eg. 2 to 3 days for sand and
longer for clay).
21. Repeat steps 10–19 until weights have been recorded at each
of the potential increments that you want to measure.
Always replace the samples on the sand before
moving the suction regulator.
Fig. 39 Check sample reached equilibrum
Fig. 40 Clean & smooth surface
Fig. 41 Replace samples
Fig. 43 Replace samples


17
6. Tabletobelledinasmeasurementsaretaken

18
7. Troubleshooting
Problem Possible causes Solution(s)
Air in the tube between the
supply bottle and the suction
regulator is distorting the
measurements.
1. There are air bubbles in the
water. 1. Only use the water if it’s calm. Let the supply bottle stand still
for a while before using the water.
De-aerate the tube.
2. There is not enough sand above
the drainage pipe inside the box. 2. Add more water-saturated sand. The sand level should be
at least 5 cm above the highest
point of the drainage pipe.
3. Air is entering via the side
walls of the box because sand
wasn’t pressed against the walls
properly during the setting-up
stage, or vibration has broken the
seal.
3. Remove the sand from the
sandbox and begin the setting up
process again at step 9. Ensure
that the sand is completely
saturated, and that it is forced
into the corners, and against the
walls, of the box.
4. There is a leaking cock/tap. 4. Order a new cock/tap.
8. Maintenance of suction tables
Topreventporesfrombecomingcloggedbyalgaeorbacterialgrowth,thesuctiontablesshouldbeushed
once or twice a year with a solution of hot water, and possibly with acetic acid to prevent calcium deposits.
Thesuctiontablesmustbeusheduntilonlycleanwateremerges.Acopperwasherisplacedinthesuction
regulator to prevent algae growth. Diluted copper sulphate may be added to the water in the supply bottle for
thesamereason.Ratherthanushingthesuctiontable,itisalsoanoptiontochangethesandorthesand
andtotallyrellthebox.
Itisrecommendedtoregularlywashtheltercloththatcoversthesandbox.
Whenever the sand suction table is not in use, sand should be immersed in water and a suction level of 100
hPa (pF 2) should be retained.

19
Appendix 1: General Information
The pF-curves plotted below will be used to illustrate the soil physical characteristics that can be deduced
from pF-curves. The example soil contains three different soil horizons (each of which has a known pF-Curve).
These curves are referred to in Table 3.
Table 3: Determining soil characteristics from pF-Curves
Physical characteristic Denitionandhowtodetermine
Moisture content Volumefractionofwaterlledporesatacertainmatricpotential.
For example, at a matric potential of 1000 hPa (1 bar, pF 3.0), the A horizon
has a volumetric moisture content of 20%.
Field capacity (FC) Moisture content at pF 2
The A horizon has a moisture content of 35% at FC and the C horizon 24%.
Permanent wilting point (PWP) Moisture content at pF 4.2
The A horizon has a moisture content of 8% at PWP and the C horizon 4%.
Porosity Inasandysoil,allporesarelledwithwateratsaturation(pF0),and
empty when oven-dry (pF 7). Therefore, the volume percentage between
pF 0 and pF 7 is equal to the porosity in a sandy soil. In a clay soil porosity,
or total pore volume, depends upon moisture content, due to swelling
and shrinking. Therefore, for clay soil porosity cannot be determined
from the pF-curve.
The example soil is a loamy sand soil, and allows estimating porosity:
At saturation, the A horizon has a volumetric moisture content of 50%,
when the soil is oven dry the moisture content is 0%, therefore, 50%
ofthesoilvolumeisporespace,lledwithwaterandair,andporosity
is 50%.
Volume fraction solid matter Total volume fraction minus porosity.
Since porosity of the A horizon is 50%, the volume fraction of pores is
0.5 and volume fraction of solid matter in the A horizon is 1 - 0.5 = 0.5

20
Physical characteristic Denitionandhowtodetermine
Aeration status Volume of available air: porosity minus moisture content. Depending
on crop type, a certain ratio between water and air supply is required
for optimal crop growth.
In the example soil, (A horizon) at a moisture potential of 1000 hPa (pF
3), moisture content is 20%, total pore space is 50%, so the volume of
available air is 30%.
Pore size distribution Shape of pF curve: Pores of similar size will be emptied at the same
matric potential. The more homogenous the pore size distribution, the
faster the drop in soil moisture content upon a small decrease in matric
potential,andtheattertheslopeofthepFcurve.Thesteepertheslope,
the more gradual the emptying of soil pores, the more heterogeneous
the pore size distribution.
In general, a heterogeneous pore size distribution is preferable for
agricultural applications, since these soils have a higher water holding
capacity.
The example soil illustrates the effect of organic matter presence and
biological activity in the A horizon. In the A horizon, the slope of the
pF-curve is more gradual than in the C horizon, meaning that pores
are emptied more gradually in the A horizon, corresponding to a
heterogeneous pore size distribution. The C horizon contains a relatively
large amount of pores of similar size, which are all drained around a
matric potential of - 100 hPa (pF 2). A slight increase in the suction will
lead to a change in moisture content of almost 10%.
Capillary conductivity The rate of capillary conductivity depends upon the amount and size
ofwaterlledporesinvolvedinwaterow.Thisdependsuponthe
moisture potential of the soil.
A decrease of the water potential (an increase in suction level)
corresponds with a decrease in moisture content. Because water is forced
toowthroughnarrowporeswithahighfriction,thisconsequentlyleads
to a reduction in the capillary motion.
Permeability rate depends on the distribution and amount of macro-
pores.
Storage capacity Storagecapacityofasoilataspecicgroundwaterlevelcorresponds
to the air volume present. Storage capability is expressed in mm water
per decimetre of soil (1 mm water per 10 cm º1 volume percent).
For the example soil, the storage capacity of the C horizon at a moisture
tension of 100 hPa (pF 2) is calculated as total pore space (40%) -
moisture content (25%) = volume of air (15%). A volumetric air content of
15% corresponds to a storage capacity of 15 mm of water per decimetre
of C horizon.