The influence on soil properties of mould oil used in sample cores

Abstract

Mould oils, with up to 10% v/v oleic acid, in a distillate carrier, are useful lubricants and release agents for thin-walled tube-core sampling of wet plastic clays and moist sandy soils. Mould oil with 2% v/v oleic acid interferes with soil organic carbon determinations because of hydrocarbon residues. There are minimal effects on electrical conductivity and gravimetric soil water content. Sparing and careful use of all lubricants in soil sampling is required, with special care where organic carbon content is a measured soil property.