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Soil Compaction Testing

Compaction below the surface can limit root development and affect water movement. The SpotOn® Digital Soil Compaction Meter helps farmers, agronomists, crop consultants, turf managers and researchers test soil resistance with digital readings. Compare locations and depths, identify patterns that warrant a closer look, and interpret results alongside soil moisture, crop or turf performance and field history.
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Make Better-Informed Field Decisions

Use soil compaction readings alongside other field observations to investigate growing conditions and decide where more assessment may be needed.
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Locate Changes Below the Surface

The stainless steel shaft is marked every 4 inches (10 cm), helping you reference probe depth as you test through the soil profile.
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Compare Traffic and Reference Areas

Compare wheel tracks, headlands, traffic lanes and nearby areas with less traffic to identify differences in penetration resistance.
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Read Peak Values at a Glance

The meter automatically displays the peak reading when the probe is withdrawn. View measurements in PSI or kPa, with a color-coded indicator for quick reference.
View Digital Soil Compaction Meter Specs

Understand What’s Happening Below the Surface

A soil compaction test with a penetrometer can help reveal changes in soil resistance that aren’t visible from the surface. The SpotOn® Digital Soil Compaction Meter captures the maximum reading during each probe and displays it after the probe is extracted.
Soil compaction testing with a digital soil compaction meter by SpotOn.

Compare Soil Resistance Across a Field

Take readings in representative locations, including areas with different traffic patterns. Compare suspected problem areas with nearby reference areas, and note the depth where resistance changes. Repeated patterns across multiple test points can help identify areas for further investigation.

Interpret Readings Alongside Soil Conditions

Soil moisture affects penetration resistance. Dry soil can produce higher readings, so comparisons are more useful when soil conditions are similar. Read more on how soil moisture affects penetration resistance. Record relevant conditions and consider soil texture and location when reviewing the results.

Soil compaction testing is quicker and made easier with the soil compaction meter by SpotOn, here is shows a high compaction reading as it penetrates the soil.
spoton digital soil compaction meter penetrometer

Use Readings to Guide Follow-Up

Combine compaction readings with observations such as root development, crop establishment, water infiltration, ponding and field traffic history. The results can help narrow where to investigate further before deciding whether a management response is appropriate.

Designed for Field Soil Compaction Testing

The SpotOn® Digital Soil Compaction Meter is a digital penetrometer for agricultural fields, turf areas, research plots and other managed landscapes. Its electronic load cell measures across soil types without requiring tip changes. A durable 0.505-inch tool steel cone and 30-inch usable probe support field testing, while depth markings every 4 inches help you reference probe position.The meter displays readings from 0 to 825 PSI (0 to 5,690 kPa). Its large digital display shows the peak value automatically and provides a green, yellow or red color-coded reference. The meter meets the ASABE S313.3 Soil Compaction Standard, is made in Illinois and includes a one-year warranty.
SpotOn®

Digital Soil Compaction Meter

$585.00 US List Price

The SpotOn® Digital Soil Compaction Meter FAQs

Yes. The digital soil compaction meter meets the ASABE S313.3 Soil Compaction Standard.

Keep the probe vertical and push at a steady rate. Innoquest’s product manual references a penetration rate of approximately 1.2 inches per second (30 mm per second) for best accuracy. The meter displays the peak reading when you withdraw the probe.

Yes. Dry soil can show greater penetration resistance than wetter soil. For more useful comparisons, test areas under similar moisture conditions and consider moisture when interpreting results.

No. The electronic load cell design allows the meter to measure across soil types without changing tip sizes.

They provide a quick visual reference for the reading: green is 0–200 PSI (0–1,400 kPa), yellow is 200–300 PSI (1,400–2,070 kPa), and red is 300+ PSI (2,070+ kPa). Interpret the color and numeric reading in context, including soil moisture and soil type.

The meter has a 30-inch usable probe length. Its stainless steel shaft is marked every 4 inches (10 cm) to help reference depth during testing.

A soil compaction meter, or penetrometer, measures resistance to cone penetration. The SpotOn® Digital Soil Compaction Meter displays the reading in PSI or kPa. Use it as an indicator of soil compaction; it does not directly measure soil bulk density.

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