Measurement of soil particle-size distribution by the PARIO measurement system: lessons learned and comparison with two other measurement techniques

The PARIO system is a novel technique for the measurement of soil particle-size distribution. It is a computerized sedimentation-based system that will yield a quasi-continuous particle-size distribution curve. Given that it is semi-automated, continuous and sedimentation-based, this system promises to become a good and compatible alternative to the traditional pipette or hydrometer techniques. Through hundreds of measurements we have acquired practical operational knowledge that this poster will share with potential future users. We will also present quantitative information on the technique’s sensitivity to e.g. temperature shift or intermittent vibration during measurement. We also used a set of 45 soil samples of various texture from Norway to compare particle-size distribution measured by the PARIO system, the traditional pipette technique and laser diffractometry. We discuss measurement results as well as related sample-preparation aspects.