Rhizon Soil Moisture Sampler

The Rhizon Sampler is an inert and compact sampler used to obtain soil moisture samples or filtered water samples for greenhouse management, forest studies, environmental research, waste water sampling, and soil pollution monitoring.

Features

The sampler consists of a hydrophylic polymer tube with 2.5mm OD and 1.4mm ID, in lengths of either 5 or 10cm, with a stainless steel wire inside to provide support. This is attached to a PVC tube of 2.7mm OD and 1.0mm ID which is 10cm long and is attached to a Luer-lock connector, to which the vacuum source is attached. In water a 10 ml sample can be extracted in less than 5 minutes, and in soil 7 ml of sample can normally be obtained in 1-16 hours. A cap keeps the connector clean in-between sample extractions.

Use & Operation

The sampler can be installed in the soil either vertical or horizontal, with horizontal being preferable due to greater soil compaction around the sampler and thus better moisture extraction. A pilot hole is made with a 2 mm diameter rod before the sampler is inserted, unless sampling is being done in peat or a sufficiently soft soil. Some sampler insertions (usually vertical) may require several days to reach satisfactory tube-soil contact, but good contact is normally reached much quicker. After insertion into the soil a vacuum is applied to the sampler by a syringe. A 10ml sampling tube will normally yield 7ml of sample. The syringe is connected to the Luer-lock by a double ended female connector (included w/syringes), and then the plunger is pulled up to produce a vacuum. The plunger is propped up by a short strip of wood (retainer).

Specifications

Additional Information

Dead volume of the sampler is 0.5 ml, and it is very inert which eliminates ion exchange with the sample. The pH and other parameters are thus more accurately determined as compared to samples taken with ceramic cup type samplers. The size of the sampler and its sampling properties are excellent for emulating soil water uptake by roots, and they can also be used to inject solute into the soil. The longevity of the sampler is excellent, but it is susceptible to damage in dried cracking soils, and in a pH environment less than 3 or more than 12. The polymer is impervious to bacteria, but bacteria and algae may enter the sample from the connector unless it is first sterilized.

Common Questions

Ordering Information

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Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.