I have collected several soil samples using a calibrated standard soil bulk density sampler (100 cm3). The soil samples have varying degree of organic material (fine root, wood debris, etc.) because they are forest soils.
1. Should the organic material be removed?
2. If yes, should it be removed before or after drying?
3. If removed, it will mess up both weight and volume of the samples.
Usually bulk density is determined in the equilibrium natural organic matter.
If you remove organic matter the bulk denisity of the mineral remanent will be significantly higher identicating the loss of functional capacity to provide water and aeration.
It would be nice experiment to compare with and without organic matter.
Organic matter should not remove from soil sample because if it removed, bulk density will be increase and water holding capacity decrease. In that case your result will be differ than actual.
In my work, organic matter should not be removed from the soil sample, because it automatically increases the density of the soil and gives us false results
Salutations
Thank you everyone. Tried to look for answers in books but none address this. I thought the same. Removing any material would mess up the volume and weight. Thank you for the confirmation!
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