Design, construction, and installation of an intact soil core lysimeter

An intact soil core lysimeter with its insertion device and process was developed to facilitate the collection of leachate and soil water samples from a series of field plots in eastern Pennsylvania. This design was developed to minimize disturbance of the soil within and around the lysimeter. The lysimeter was constructed of 76.2-cm-diam, steel well casing with a 7.9-mm wall thickness. The casings were cut to lengths of 1.15 and 0.75 m and were inserted by means of direct downward force to a depth of 1 m. An access hole 38 cm in diameter by 161 cm deep was then augered next to the inserted casing for the installation of a collection device beneath and beside the cylinder. The soil-filled cylinder was removed and set on a prefabricated base and welded in place. The prefabricated base had drain holes and a fitting for attachment of the collection device. The collection unit was attached and the entire lysimeter was reinserted into the cavity. Leachate caught in the collection device was removed by pumping through attached surface tubes alongside the cylinder. This design has proved to be efficient and cost-effective. The insertion method kept soil compaction to a minimum while maintaining a watertight seal between the casing and soil core.