Bürkle Pürckhauer soil sampler, V2A stainless steel, 810 mm, 5350-5012

Stony or compacted soils quickly present a challenge to a simple soil sampler; a tool that is too flimsily constructed will bend or be almost impossible to pull out again. The Pürckhauer is designed precisely for this purpose: it is robust and features an embossed depth scale, and is available in two lengths: 810 and 1,175 mm.

Robust construction for heavy soils

The Pürckhauer features a detachable handle with non-slip rubber grips and a reinforced striking head, which makes it easier to drive into compacted or stony soils. From 60 cm onwards, the tip of the longer version (5350-5018) tapers, making it easier to withdraw from the soil.

Depth scale and Nmin sampling

An embossed depth scale with 10-cm markings shows directly the depth from which the sample was taken, without the need to carry a separate tape measure. This makes the Pürckhauer suitable for Nmin sampling between 0 and 90 cm, as is standard practice in agricultural fertiliser planning to determine the available nitrogen in the soil. The embossed, rather than printed, scale remains legible even with frequent use and contact with soil.

Two lengths for different profile depths

The shorter version has a total length of 810 mm and a chamber length of 600 mm; the longer version has a total length of 1,175 mm with a chamber length of 1,000 mm. Both feature a depth scale with 10-cm graduations.

Differences from the GeoSampler

For light soils, grassland and lawns, the GeoSampler made from V2A stainless steel is sufficient and can be manoeuvred with less effort. As soon as the soil becomes stony or heavily compacted, the Pürckhauer, with its reinforced impact head, is the more robust choice.

Tapered tip of the long version

In the longer version (5350-5018), the tip tapers from 60 cm onwards. This reduces friction between the ground and the tube over the final few centimetres, thereby making it easier to withdraw the tool from deeper, often more heavily compacted soil layers. With the shorter version (5350-5012), which has a total length of 810 mm, this effect is less significant, as the penetration depth remains shallower.

Why Nmin sampling requires a long chamber

The Nmin method assesses the available nitrogen across an entire soil profile, typically to a depth of 90 cm, often broken down by layer. The chamber length of 600 mm for the shorter version and 1,000 mm for the longer Pürckhauer version covers these depths in a single pass, rather than having to take several short individual samples one on top of the other and combine them.

Handle and striking head in detail

The detachable handle with non-slip rubber grips can be removed for transport and reattached on site. The reinforced striking head absorbs the pressure or light impacts when driving the tube into firmer soil, without placing any strain on the tube itself.

Typical applications

• Soil sampling in heavy and stony soils
• Nmin sampling from 0 to 90 cm
• Profile investigations across multiple soil layers

Technical details

Overview of variants

Tube and outer diameters

The tube diameter is 13 millimetres for the shorter version and 18 millimetres for the longer version, whilst the external diameter is 20 and 25 millimetres respectively. The larger diameter of the 1,175 mm version is suited to the greater chamber length of 1,000 millimetres and consequently provides more sample material per penetration; however, it also requires more force when driving into compacted soil than the shorter version with a chamber length of 600 millimetres. Those who regularly alternate between lighter and heavier soils will need to weigh up the greater sample yield of the long version against the greater force required to drive it into the ground.

Scope of delivery

• Pürckhauer soil sampler in the selected length

Service and procurement

For heavy and stony soils, the Pürckhauer is the more robust choice compared to the GeoSampler, particularly when Nmin samples are regularly taken to a depth of 90 cm. LT Laborhandel stocks both lengths of the Pürckhauer separately and can also advise on the choice between the two soil sampler ranges if required. If you have any queries regarding the appropriate length or combining the Pürckhauer with the GeoSampler for different soil types, please contact LT Laborhandel for further assistance.