Comparative assessment of soil bulk density measurements using core metal ring and power probe methods in acidic soils of Colombian pasturelands

Accurate and cost-effective soil bulk density (BD) measurements are crucial for robust climate mitigation and adaptation strategies by ensuring reliable estimation of key soil properties, such as soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the power probe method compa...

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Main Authors: Leonado Rodriguez, Mike Bastidas, Mayesse Da Silva, Juliana Arias, Javier M. Martín-López, Natalia Matiz-Rubio, Sandra Loaiza, Idupulapati Rao, Jacobo Arango, Ciniro Costa Junior
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Soil Science
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2025.1527807/full
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author Leonado Rodriguez
Leonado Rodriguez
Mike Bastidas
Mike Bastidas
Mayesse Da Silva
Juliana Arias
Javier M. Martín-López
Natalia Matiz-Rubio
Sandra Loaiza
Idupulapati Rao
Jacobo Arango
Ciniro Costa Junior
author_facet Leonado Rodriguez
Leonado Rodriguez
Mike Bastidas
Mike Bastidas
Mayesse Da Silva
Juliana Arias
Javier M. Martín-López
Natalia Matiz-Rubio
Sandra Loaiza
Idupulapati Rao
Jacobo Arango
Ciniro Costa Junior
author_sort Leonado Rodriguez
collection DOAJ
description Accurate and cost-effective soil bulk density (BD) measurements are crucial for robust climate mitigation and adaptation strategies by ensuring reliable estimation of key soil properties, such as soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the power probe method compared to the traditional core metal ring method (reference method) for measuring BD in acidic soils (Oxisols and Ultisols) in Colombia. Soil samples were collected from eight locations at soil depths of up to 1 meter, with fine fraction content ranging from 29% to 57% silt and 31% to 41% clay, covering two land uses: natural savanna (n=2) and planted pastures (n=6) (Urochloa humidicola cv. Tully). We found minimal differences between the use of metal ring and probe methods for BD measurements, indicating that both methods generate similar results. Out of 32 observations, only four showed significant differences at specific soil depths with varying silt or clay content. While the probe method showed higher variability, particularly in the 0–10 cm and 50–100 cm layers, which is likely due to soil compaction or stretching, it offers significant advantages in terms of cost reduction and improved work efficiency. While further validation is recommended for use in different soil types and conditions, particularly in clay-rich soils, integrating the use of power probe method in soil assessments can significantly enhance the efficiency of BD measurements. This is particularly relevant to support agricultural and SOC management initiatives while streamlining monitoring efforts for climate finance, where reliable, efficient, and cost-effective soil measurements are crucial.
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spelling doaj-art-532cd73eb6ca45b68e9ccfe3cc3c4fcc2025-08-20T03:52:33ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Soil Science2673-86192025-05-01510.3389/fsoil.2025.15278071527807Comparative assessment of soil bulk density measurements using core metal ring and power probe methods in acidic soils of Colombian pasturelandsLeonado Rodriguez0Leonado Rodriguez1Mike Bastidas2Mike Bastidas3Mayesse Da Silva4Juliana Arias5Javier M. Martín-López6Natalia Matiz-Rubio7Sandra Loaiza8Idupulapati Rao9Jacobo Arango10Ciniro Costa Junior11International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, ColombiaDepartamento de Producción Agraria, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas (ETSIAAB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Madrid, SpainInternational Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, ColombiaDepartamento de Producción Agraria, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas (ETSIAAB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Madrid, SpainInternational Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, ColombiaInternational Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, ColombiaInternational Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, ColombiaInternational Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, ColombiaInternational Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, ColombiaInternational Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, ColombiaInternational Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, ColombiaInternational Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, ColombiaAccurate and cost-effective soil bulk density (BD) measurements are crucial for robust climate mitigation and adaptation strategies by ensuring reliable estimation of key soil properties, such as soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the power probe method compared to the traditional core metal ring method (reference method) for measuring BD in acidic soils (Oxisols and Ultisols) in Colombia. Soil samples were collected from eight locations at soil depths of up to 1 meter, with fine fraction content ranging from 29% to 57% silt and 31% to 41% clay, covering two land uses: natural savanna (n=2) and planted pastures (n=6) (Urochloa humidicola cv. Tully). We found minimal differences between the use of metal ring and probe methods for BD measurements, indicating that both methods generate similar results. Out of 32 observations, only four showed significant differences at specific soil depths with varying silt or clay content. While the probe method showed higher variability, particularly in the 0–10 cm and 50–100 cm layers, which is likely due to soil compaction or stretching, it offers significant advantages in terms of cost reduction and improved work efficiency. While further validation is recommended for use in different soil types and conditions, particularly in clay-rich soils, integrating the use of power probe method in soil assessments can significantly enhance the efficiency of BD measurements. This is particularly relevant to support agricultural and SOC management initiatives while streamlining monitoring efforts for climate finance, where reliable, efficient, and cost-effective soil measurements are crucial.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2025.1527807/fullsoil bulk densitysampling methodsgrasslandsprobeslarge-scale assessments
spellingShingle Leonado Rodriguez
Leonado Rodriguez
Mike Bastidas
Mike Bastidas
Mayesse Da Silva
Juliana Arias
Javier M. Martín-López
Natalia Matiz-Rubio
Sandra Loaiza
Idupulapati Rao
Jacobo Arango
Ciniro Costa Junior
Comparative assessment of soil bulk density measurements using core metal ring and power probe methods in acidic soils of Colombian pasturelands
Frontiers in Soil Science
soil bulk density
sampling methods
grasslands
probes
large-scale assessments
title Comparative assessment of soil bulk density measurements using core metal ring and power probe methods in acidic soils of Colombian pasturelands
title_full Comparative assessment of soil bulk density measurements using core metal ring and power probe methods in acidic soils of Colombian pasturelands
title_fullStr Comparative assessment of soil bulk density measurements using core metal ring and power probe methods in acidic soils of Colombian pasturelands
title_full_unstemmed Comparative assessment of soil bulk density measurements using core metal ring and power probe methods in acidic soils of Colombian pasturelands
title_short Comparative assessment of soil bulk density measurements using core metal ring and power probe methods in acidic soils of Colombian pasturelands
title_sort comparative assessment of soil bulk density measurements using core metal ring and power probe methods in acidic soils of colombian pasturelands
topic soil bulk density
sampling methods
grasslands
probes
large-scale assessments
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2025.1527807/full
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