Excavation Difficulty
EXCAVATION DIFFICULTY—The relative force or energy required to dig soil out of place. Excavation Difficulty Class and the moisture condition (moist or dry, but not wet) are described. Estimates can be made for either the most limiting layer or for each horizon.
"Moderate" excavation difficulty by tile spade requires impact energy or foot pressure; arm pressure is insufficient.
"High" excavation difficulty by tile spade is difficult but easily done by pick using over-the-head swing.
The layer being examined required overhead impact energy--both foot pressure or arm pressure was insufficient and an over head swing with a tile spade was difficult--indicating a "high" excavation difficulty. This degree of difficulty is common for root limiting layers such as soils high in plinthite, fragipans, densic materials, or paralithic materials.
The massive root limiting layer being tested was not cemented.
www.flickr.com/photos/jakelley/51836600265/in/album-72157...
www.flickr.com/photos/jakelley/51835707726/in/album-72157...
Excavation Difficulty
EXCAVATION DIFFICULTY—The relative force or energy required to dig soil out of place. Excavation Difficulty Class and the moisture condition (moist or dry, but not wet) are described. Estimates can be made for either the most limiting layer or for each horizon.
"Moderate" excavation difficulty by tile spade requires impact energy or foot pressure; arm pressure is insufficient.
"High" excavation difficulty by tile spade is difficult but easily done by pick using over-the-head swing.
The layer being examined required overhead impact energy--both foot pressure or arm pressure was insufficient and an over head swing with a tile spade was difficult--indicating a "high" excavation difficulty. This degree of difficulty is common for root limiting layers such as soils high in plinthite, fragipans, densic materials, or paralithic materials.
The massive root limiting layer being tested was not cemented.
www.flickr.com/photos/jakelley/51836600265/in/album-72157...
www.flickr.com/photos/jakelley/51835707726/in/album-72157...