Comparison of Methods in Soil Particle Size Analysis by Sedimentation

Abstract

There are many methods to analyze soil particle size. The hydrometer method is in widespread for particle size analysis because it is a simply and rapid method and using the inexpensive equipment. However, the method was less precise compared to the pipette method. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the analysis methods for sand and clay particles and also for time used of clay particles analysis. The 7 soils different in texture was used in this study. The methods of sieving, hydrometer and the pipette were used for analysis. The results showed that the quantity of sand and clay particle analyzed by the hydrometer method and pipette method were significantly different (P<0.05). The amount of sand particles analyzed by hydrometer was similar to the sieving method, but there was found a significantly higher than the pipette method. For the amount of clay particles, there was showed a significantly lower result analyzed by the hydrometer than by the pipette method. The analysis of clay particles at 2 hours and 7 hours was also found significant differences.