I agree with David that horizontal would be better, but you might check with utility companies which use antennae cut to a precise frequency used to mark the location of underground utilities. Many years ago I talked a local gas & electric company into donating a few to identify the ends of a linear grass-planting plot I set up for our local native plant organization chapter. For circular plots I have used "rebar" bent into an "eye," then bent over again to mark the plot center and edge (2 rebars per plot). These were driven about 6" or 8" into the ground, if I recall correctly. Deeper would probably be better, as long as the markers can be detected easily. That was about 33 years ago, and as I lost control over the experiment soon after its initiation, I do not know its present status. I believe it was abandoned. However, if the rebar markers are still present, data could still be gathered.
I'm not sure about aluminum tags' longevity; I think I would prefer embossed plastic or something not subject to electrolysis/corrosion, especially in soils containing sodium. In some areas they would probably be fine, especially if the study is short-term. I admit a bias toward long-term studies. WT PS: I would like to buy a metal detector too, so I hope y'all will share info on the best and highest-performing (deepest detection capability). ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paula A. Morales M." <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 4:49 PM Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Metal Detector >I need an advice with an equipment acquisition. > > We will buy a metal detector, it will be used for the detection of metal > rods that delimit plots of herbaceous plants, these rods will be buried at > less 1 meter deep. > > Some recommendations of good quality references or brands will be really > appreciated. > > Thanks in advance for help that we can provide. > > > Sincerely; > -- > Paula A. Morales M. > Assistant Research > Herbario Universidad de Antioquia (HUA) > Colombia > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 10.0.1432 / Virus Database: 3162/5791 - Release Date: 05/02/13 >
