Healthy soil starts with a penetrometer

What more can we do to conserve and nourish the soil, a precious resource? Carel van Niekerk Jr of Piket Implements shares his advice

- Carel van Niekerk Jr

A penetrometer is a diagnostic tool used to measure the degree and depth of subsurface compaction. A probe inserted into the soil, it measures the amount of force required to make it penetrate to a specified depth. It is commonly used in geotechnical engineering, construction, agriculture, and other fields where knowledge of soil properties is critical.

The basic principle of a penetrometer is simple: the tip of the probe is pushed into the soil, the resistance is measured, and the results are recorded.

PATENTED DESIGN

The Piket penetrometer from Piket Implements stands out from its American counterparts for two key reasons: cost and design. So much so that the design has been patented.

To begin with, it’s a tough, no-frills field tool that is 100% mechanical; it requires no battery or other power source. This means it comes at a fraction of the price of more complex available alternatives. Its patented rubber depth gauge is simple yet effective, ensuring accurate measurements without the hassle.

This nifty little gadget provides critical information on the health of your soil. And for the price of a tank of diesel, it will take you a lot further.