Soil Strength Measurement Correlations: Comparisons of Clegg, Soil Cone Penetrometer, and Drop Cone Penetrometer readings on composted mulch embankments.

The use of composted mulches for land rehabilitation, erosion control, and vegetation establishment has well documented benefits.  Benefits of composted mulches include better water infiltration into the soil matrix, reduced soil erosion, better soil moisture retention, improved soil structure, and reduced plant stress.  Composted mulch structures are being increasingly used as a best management practice for erosion control and soil loss prevention.  However, little research has documented the use of composted mulches as a structural material and change in relative strength over time.  This paper discusses the readings taken from three different instruments used to gauge soil strength in the field from twenty-four compost berms.  A Clegg Impact Testing Device, a soil cone penetrometer, and a drop cone penetrometer were the field instruments used.  Correlations between the different field instrument readings were be analyzed and their usefulness in measuring composted berm strength will be discussed.