ABSTRACT
Vadose zone investigations generally include soil sampling. In the context of this chapter, soil sampling is defined as the process of obtaining depth-wise, matrix samples from the entire vadose zone. Table 24.1 lists some of the reasons for soil sampling. Our discussion will focus on obtaining soil samples for pore liquid extraction and analyses. However, we recommend using collected samples to identify geologic layering in the vadose zone to aid in the subsequent installation of monitoring devices, such as suction samplers. Reasons for Collecting Soil Samples
1. Lithologic description
2. Hydrogeologic testing
3. Geotechnical testing
4. Soil gas analyses
5. Extraction of microorganisms
6. Pore-liquid and soils chemical analyses
