Soil particle size analysis traditionally had only two options—the extremely archaic option or the extremely expensive option. The hydrometer (or pipette) method is a painstaking, manual process that's prone to error. The ultra-expensive laser method has accuracy issues because flat soil particles like clay can confound the measurement. Both methods can lead to hours of wasted time. Now there's a new way. Introducing PARIO.

Complete curves made easy

PARIO uses automation to shrink the time and effort needed for soil particle size analysis. It calculates the particle size distribution by Stokes' law, with a range spanning from 63 μm to 2 μm, finally making it easy to obtain a complete particle size distribution curve, instead of just a few measurements at discrete time points.

It allows for unattended, automated operation (with the exception of opening the valve after completion). Just set it up and come back later to a finished measurement with all the data you need.

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New method reduces error—and effort

PARIO adopts the same sample prep your lab already uses, so it fits perfectly into your existing workflow. It reduces errors by replacing and automating the lengthy "hydrometer" portion of the process using the new, more accurate "Extended Integral Suspension Pressure Method" (ISP+). This method does not require the insertion of a hydrometer or sampling of suspension volume with a pipette, which disturbs the sedimentation process. Being automatic, it also avoids manual reading or calculation errors. This results in an overall error rate of an incredible 0.5%—lower than any conventional particle size analysis method.

The IRROMETER Tensiometer is the standard in accurate soil moisture measurement, offering growers an inexpensive and reliable means of measuring soil moisture for irrigation scheduling. An IRROMETER will measure the actual soil water tension, which indicates the effort required by root systems to extract water from the soil. Because the IRROMETER is a true measurement of soil water potential, the instrument is not affected by salinity and does not require site calibration.

The IRROMETER is available in several models, with standard lengths of 6", 12", 18", 24", 36", or 48" dependent on the rooting depth of the specific crop.

The "SR" IRROMETER is the standard instrument for use in medium to heavy soils. Each instrument includes a threaded replaceable tip as well as reservoir, air free gauge chamber, and membrane vented stainless steel vacuum gauge with a 0 to 100 cb/kPa soil water tension range.

  SR IRROMETER Spec Sheet

The "LT" IRROMETER is fitted with a low tension 0-40 cb/kPa gauge for applications where tensions above 30 are rarely expected. Ideal for very coarse soils, sands, and non-soil containter media where soil water tension changes rapidly in the lower end of the scale.

  LT IRROMETER Spec Sheet

The "MLT" (Miniature Low Tension) is designed for applications similar to the Model "LT" above where small size is required. Ideal for use with very coarse soils and non-soil container-media. Its compact size and 0-40 cb/kPa gauge make it a good choice for green house applications.

             Saturated hydraulic conductivity is a pain to measure in the field. And that's only the beginning. When you get back to the office, you still have to convert the raw data into hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rates. We think you should spend less time on complexity and more time being productive. That's why we automated almost everything in the new SATURO.

Set it up, and leave

The SATURO dual head infiltrometer does almost everything for you. It's fully automated and doesn't require post-processing of data. Install the ring, connect the hoses, and push start.  It's that simple.

The infiltrometer automatically measures infiltration rates, and the control unit calculates field saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) on the fly. That means if you need a value right away, it's there. If you want to dig deeper, you can always download the raw data.

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With this infiltrometer, one person can do everything

Unlike double ring systems, the SATURO infiltrometer is designed for one person to carry and set up. Plus, it requires way less water, saving you a ton of time and effort. How? The SATURO ponds water on top of the soil and uses air pressure to create two different pressure heads. It uses a pump to automatically maintain the correct water levels.

Saturated hydraulic conductivity isn’t an easy measurement to make, mostly because of the lack of a simple-to-use tool. Many people resort to cobbling together their own contraptions that are either complicated and finicky, or simple and crude. Neither has proven to be effective in terms of accuracy or convenience. Saturated hydraulic conductivity—simplifiedThe ASTM D2434-compliant KSAT is the only easy-to-use automated setup for taking saturated hydraulic conductivity measurements in the lab. In its simplest form, it’s an instrument that uses both the falling head (automated) and constant head (non-automated) methods on a soil core. Best of all, it’s completely integrated, so you’re also assured of software-controlled engineering that’s fully tested.Request A Quote  Integration: the key to convenienceUnlike typical contraptions, the KSAT comes with everything you need to make a measurement, meaning you can set it up right out of the box. This type of integration also allows the KSAT to take up minimal bench space. But perhaps its biggest benefit is how, as part of the LABROS system, it complements the HYPROP. Both the HYPROP and the KSAT can use the same soil core because they share compatible sampling rings. This enables you to take saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity measurements and generate a soil moisture characteristic curve to get a complete picture of a sample’s properties, simplifying both processes.