What should be done if an insufficient amount of soil is available for a wash?

Using a smaller mass specimen and reporting the reason for this choice is an appropriate response when faced with an insufficient amount of soil for a wash. This ensures that the testing can still proceed, albeit with a modified sample size.

When testing soils, particularly in a wash procedure, the quantity of soil is critical for obtaining accurate results. However, when only a limited amount of soil is available, utilizing a smaller mass allows for the completion of the test without compromising the integrity of the procedure too greatly. It is essential to document this adjustment to ensure transparency and accuracy in reporting the results. This documentation helps maintain the validity of the findings and allows others to understand the context of the test conducted.

Attempting to gather more soil from surrounding areas could introduce variability and compromise the integrity of the sample. Skipping the wash altogether would contradict the testing protocol, leading to incomplete analysis. Using a larger specimen, while well-intentioned, would not be feasible if the available soil is insufficient in the first place. Thus, reporting the use of a smaller mass specimen is the most methodologically appropriate action in this situation.