--- title: "RhoC 5 | Soil Bulk Density Measurement System" date: 2025-01-05T08:53:29Z modified: 2026-04-08T13:36:13Z permalink: "https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/rhoc-5/" type: page status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 19437 --- [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/bnc_academy_upper_banner.png) ](https://academy.berkeleynucleonics.com/) [](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/rhoc5_standing_perspective-1.png) ![rhoc5_standing_perspective](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/rhoc5_standing_perspective-1-768x576.png) [](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/rhoc5_standing_hands_112724-1.png) ![rhoc5_standing_hands_112724](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/rhoc5_standing_hands_112724-1-768x390.png) [](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/rhoc5_pelican_box-1.png) ![rhoc5_pelican_box](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/rhoc5_pelican_box-1-768x413.png) [](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/medusa_1.png) ![medusa_1](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/medusa_1-768x580.png) [](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/medusa_2.png) ![medusa_2](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/medusa_2-768x580.png) - [ Quote ](/get-quote/?interested_product=RhoC%205) - [ Contact ](/contact-us/) - [ Datasheet ](#bnc-tab-technical-resources) - [ Price List ](/access-pricelist/) #### RhoC 5 | Soil Bulk Density Measurement System _**This product is not available at this time. Please contact info@berkeleynucleonics.com if you have additional questions.**_ The BNC Medusa Radiometrics RhoC-5 soil density meter measures soil bulk density and soil moisture directly in the field, providing a fast and reliable indicator of soil health for agriculture, geotechnical analysis, and construction projects. Using gamma backscatter from a low-activity source, the RhoC-5 determines field bulk density without the need for soil pits or laboratory testing. A 30 mm borehole allows measurements up to 80 cm deep, delivering real-time density data so users can quickly evaluate soil conditions across both vertical and horizontal layers. The rugged and portable system is controlled via WiFi using an Android smartphone app, enabling live monitoring, local data storage, and easy export to a PC or cloud platform. The probe integrates \*\*three sensors—a soil moisture sensor, density sensor, and radar-based depth sensor—\*\*to measure moisture over a 50 mm layer, determine bulk density within a similar depth interval, and precisely report the measurement depth, allowing field workers to quickly assess soil compaction, moisture distribution, and overall soil quality with minimal disturbance. [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1105 100'%2F%3E) ](https://academy.berkeleynucleonics.com/) Overview Specifications Technical Resources Downloadable Resources Media Price Lists ##### Features - No need for a soil pit or any laboratory work to determine soil bulk density - The sensor provides the measured densities during measurement in the field ##### Applications - Measure soil bulk density in the field (agricultural or construction applications) - Measures backscatter of gamma radiation emitted from a (low-activity) source – can be used without legislation ##### Working Principle of the Density Sensor ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/medusa_densitysensor_product_page_v3.png) The figure above demonstrates schematically how the density measurement works. The small red disk contains a radioactive 22Na source with a low activity below the exemption value. This source will radiate gamma-rays into the soil. This soil will interact with these gamma-rays. One of the interactions that can occur is known as Compton scattering, where the direction and energy of the gamma-ray is altered. The dark grey cylinder in the figure is a scintillation crystal that can detect gamma-rays when they interact with the crystal. Between the crystal and the source, a piece of tungsten is positioned. Tungsten has a very high density, which prevents most radiation from the source from reaching the crystal directly. As a result, most radiation registered by the scintillation crystal has been scattered in the soil surrounding the RhoC 5. With increasing soil density, more radiation will be scattered, and more gamma-rays will be registered. The RhoC 5 has been calibrated to determine the soil density based on the number of gamma-rays detected per second. ##### The App Interface [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/ms-rhoc5_screens_product_page.png) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/ms-rhoc5_screens_product_page.png) _**Start-Up Screen**_ The app searches for the hardware when opened. Exporting data is possible even when the app is not connected to the hardware via the _Export_ button on the lower right corner of the start-up screen. _**Project Screen**_ The project screen is accessible via the _Project_ button on the upper left hand corner of the main screen. Measurements are stored via the location tabs on the project screen. Easily delete via the trash icon or add a new project via the _New_ button. _**Measurement Screen**_ This screen is where all measurements are located and readings are filed under each respecitive measurement. The screen above shows “Location 1” and its list of respective readings. Press _New_ to add a new reading, and the name will auto-populate to the current depth. The field bulk density for the reading will be shown continuously during the measurement. An icon with a drop is visible when the soil moisture content has been determined. A progress bar gives an estimate of how long it will take to reach the requested density accuracy. When this accuracy has been reached, a notification sound can be heard. The measurement will continue until the _Stop_ button has been pressed. _**Settings Screen**_ The user can change the behavior of the app through the settings screen. - _Desired accuracy:_ this helps determine when a measurement is completed - _Stop automatically_: when this is on, the measurement will automatically stop when the desired accuracy is reached - _Play sound when done:_ this will sound a notification once the desired accuracy has been reached _**Export Screen**_ Use the export tab to export data from the phone to the cloud or another device in CSV format. Exporting does not erase data from the phone. - The _measurements_ dropdown list allows you to select a single measurement. It is also possible to select all measurements - When _completed_ only is checked, readings and measurements that have not been completed are excluded from the export - A list separator can be selected to manipulate the content of the created CSV file _**Info Screen**_ This page shows information about the app and the hardware, such as the version number, the serial number, and the calibration date. ##### CSV Export The table below shows a description of the headers in the CSV file. [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/ms-rhoc5_csv_table_product_page_v2.0.png) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/ms-rhoc5_csv_table_product_page_v2.0.png) **Weight** 3.97 lbs **Length** 51.85 in **GPS** Accuracy ~0.01g/cm3 **Data** Format Streaming Sensors Internal Storage JSON, NMEA, CSV RS-232, ethernet and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Soil density, GPS, moisture 16 GB **Mechanical** Dimension Weight Operating Temperature IP rating Diameter: 1.18 in; Length: 51.85 in 3.97 lbs -20 to +85 °C IP68 **Electrical** Input voltage Battery 5V Internal **Connectivity** Wi-Fi Ethernet Port 2.4 and 5 GHz 100 Mbps RS-232 [ RhoC 5 Datasheet](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/25979/?tmstv=1775655373) Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our [downloads page](/downloads). - [Product Datasheets](/downloads#bnc-datasheets) - [Product Firmware](/downloads#ddg-firmware) - [Product Software and Drivers](/downloads#ddg-softwaredrivers) - [Product Manuals](/downloads#bnc-manuals) ## Playlist ![Density Meter RhoC vs digging holes](https://img.youtube.com/vi/nUu9mhrl1cg/maxresdefault.jpg) #### Density Meter RhoC vs digging holes 0:57 ![CONNECTIVITY OF SCINTILLATION SENSORS WEBINAR | Practical Guidelines](https://img.youtube.com/vi/vhBddL74pjo/maxresdefault.jpg) #### CONNECTIVITY OF SCINTILLATION SENSORS WEBINAR | Practical Guidelines 55:16 ![Scintillation Detector Webinar: Lanthanum BromoChloride (LBC) In-Depth](https://img.youtube.com/vi/oV-XGAVKq30/maxresdefault.jpg) #### Scintillation Detector Webinar: Lanthanum BromoChloride (LBC) In-Depth 49:33 ![Understanding SPRD: A Step Beyond Conventional Radiation Detection](https://img.youtube.com/vi/hxvz02MkkFw/maxresdefault.jpg) #### Understanding SPRD: A Step Beyond Conventional Radiation Detection 45:48 ![Webinar: Future of Soil Bulk Density Measurement Systems | RhoC 5](https://img.youtube.com/vi/3G3QNc1GtiY/maxresdefault.jpg) #### Webinar: Future of Soil Bulk Density Measurement Systems | RhoC 5 30:23 ![Unboxing RhoC 5 Soil Bulk Density Measurement System](https://img.youtube.com/vi/zHC60mhp2J8/maxresdefault.jpg) #### Unboxing RhoC 5 Soil Bulk Density Measurement System 3:49 [ Berkeley Nucleonics Price List 2026](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/19881/?tmstv=1775655373) ##### Features - No need for a soil pit or any laboratory work to determine soil bulk density - The sensor provides the measured densities during measurement in the field ##### Applications - Measure soil bulk density in the field (agricultural or construction applications) - Measures backscatter of gamma radiation emitted from a (low-activity) source – can be used without legislation ##### Working Principle of the Density Sensor ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/medusa_densitysensor_product_page_v3.png) The figure above demonstrates schematically how the density measurement works. The small red disk contains a radioactive 22Na source with a low activity below the exemption value. This source will radiate gamma-rays into the soil. This soil will interact with these gamma-rays. One of the interactions that can occur is known as Compton scattering, where the direction and energy of the gamma-ray is altered. The dark grey cylinder in the figure is a scintillation crystal that can detect gamma-rays when they interact with the crystal. Between the crystal and the source, a piece of tungsten is positioned. Tungsten has a very high density, which prevents most radiation from the source from reaching the crystal directly. As a result, most radiation registered by the scintillation crystal has been scattered in the soil surrounding the RhoC 5. With increasing soil density, more radiation will be scattered, and more gamma-rays will be registered. The RhoC 5 has been calibrated to determine the soil density based on the number of gamma-rays detected per second. ##### The App Interface [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/ms-rhoc5_screens_product_page.png) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/ms-rhoc5_screens_product_page.png) _**Start-Up Screen**_ The app searches for the hardware when opened. Exporting data is possible even when the app is not connected to the hardware via the _Export_ button on the lower right corner of the start-up screen. _**Project Screen**_ The project screen is accessible via the _Project_ button on the upper left hand corner of the main screen. Measurements are stored via the location tabs on the project screen. Easily delete via the trash icon or add a new project via the _New_ button. _**Measurement Screen**_ This screen is where all measurements are located and readings are filed under each respecitive measurement. The screen above shows “Location 1” and its list of respective readings. Press _New_ to add a new reading, and the name will auto-populate to the current depth. The field bulk density for the reading will be shown continuously during the measurement. An icon with a drop is visible when the soil moisture content has been determined. A progress bar gives an estimate of how long it will take to reach the requested density accuracy. When this accuracy has been reached, a notification sound can be heard. The measurement will continue until the _Stop_ button has been pressed. _**Settings Screen**_ The user can change the behavior of the app through the settings screen. - _Desired accuracy:_ this helps determine when a measurement is completed - _Stop automatically_: when this is on, the measurement will automatically stop when the desired accuracy is reached - _Play sound when done:_ this will sound a notification once the desired accuracy has been reached _**Export Screen**_ Use the export tab to export data from the phone to the cloud or another device in CSV format. Exporting does not erase data from the phone. - The _measurements_ dropdown list allows you to select a single measurement. It is also possible to select all measurements - When _completed_ only is checked, readings and measurements that have not been completed are excluded from the export - A list separator can be selected to manipulate the content of the created CSV file _**Info Screen**_ This page shows information about the app and the hardware, such as the version number, the serial number, and the calibration date. ##### CSV Export The table below shows a description of the headers in the CSV file. [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/ms-rhoc5_csv_table_product_page_v2.0.png) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/ms-rhoc5_csv_table_product_page_v2.0.png) **Weight** 3.97 lbs **Length** 51.85 in **GPS** Accuracy ~0.01g/cm3 **Data** Format Streaming Sensors Internal Storage JSON, NMEA, CSV RS-232, ethernet and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Soil density, GPS, moisture 16 GB **Mechanical** Dimension Weight Operating Temperature IP rating Diameter: 1.18 in; Length: 51.85 in 3.97 lbs -20 to +85 °C IP68 **Electrical** Input voltage Battery 5V Internal **Connectivity** Wi-Fi Ethernet Port 2.4 and 5 GHz 100 Mbps RS-232 [ RhoC 5 Datasheet](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/25979/?tmstv=1778700938)Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our [downloads page](/downloads). - [Product Datasheets](/downloads#bnc-datasheets) - [Product Firmware](/downloads#ddg-firmware) - [Product Software and Drivers](/downloads#ddg-softwaredrivers) - [Product Manuals](/downloads#bnc-manuals) ## Playlist ![Density Meter RhoC vs digging holes](https://img.youtube.com/vi/nUu9mhrl1cg/maxresdefault.jpg) #### Density Meter RhoC vs digging holes 0:57 ![CONNECTIVITY OF SCINTILLATION SENSORS WEBINAR | Practical Guidelines](https://img.youtube.com/vi/vhBddL74pjo/maxresdefault.jpg) #### CONNECTIVITY OF SCINTILLATION SENSORS WEBINAR | Practical Guidelines 55:16 ![Scintillation Detector Webinar: Lanthanum BromoChloride (LBC) In-Depth](https://img.youtube.com/vi/oV-XGAVKq30/maxresdefault.jpg) #### Scintillation Detector Webinar: Lanthanum BromoChloride (LBC) In-Depth 49:33 ![Understanding SPRD: A Step Beyond Conventional Radiation Detection](https://img.youtube.com/vi/hxvz02MkkFw/maxresdefault.jpg) #### Understanding SPRD: A Step Beyond Conventional Radiation Detection 45:48 ![Webinar: Future of Soil Bulk Density Measurement Systems | RhoC 5](https://img.youtube.com/vi/3G3QNc1GtiY/maxresdefault.jpg) #### Webinar: Future of Soil Bulk Density Measurement Systems | RhoC 5 30:23 ![Unboxing RhoC 5 Soil Bulk Density Measurement System](https://img.youtube.com/vi/zHC60mhp2J8/maxresdefault.jpg) #### Unboxing RhoC 5 Soil Bulk Density Measurement System 3:49 [ Berkeley Nucleonics Price List 2026](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/19881/?tmstv=1778700938) [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1105 130'%2F%3E) ](/products/microwave-rf-signal-generators)