SOIL SAMPLING

Why do we sample our soil? Soil chemistry or biology testing Identify field variability

SOIL SAMPLING

How do we take a sample? Sample fields indiviudally Choose random locations in each field Take uniform-sized sample from each

location Remove surface OM and plants Sample 15-30 cm, depending on soil and

field Mix samples Composite sample

SOIL SAMPLING

Where don’t we collect our samples from? Anomalous/non-representative

locations Around trees Field edges Near manure or compost piles Around standing water

SOIL SAMPLING

What do we do after samples have been taken?

SOIL SAMPLING

Where do we send our samples?

SOIL SAMPLING

Is this a good time to be sampling our soil?

SOIL SAMPLING

What do we do with the results?

SAMPLING METHODOLOGIES

Collection Methods Random Sampling

Random locations Easy way to get a

representative sample Grid Sampling

Good for observingvariation in landscape

Does not take into consideration topography

Topography Sampling Addresses variation in

field topography or features

SAMPLING METHODOLOGIES

Variation in Fields – e.g., OM and pH

SAMPLING METHODOLOGIES

Composite Samples Random and Grid Sampling

Consolidate and mix soil samples in equal parts

Take representative sample of composite for lab

Topography Sampling Consolidate samples from each specific area Take representative samples of composite for

lab