Soil Sampling and Preparation

Sampling
Soil sampling is a particularly difficult task when attempting to get a representative sample.
Normally a 500-gram sample is submitted to the laboratory for analysis. This 500-gram sample
may represent 10 or more acres. f the area covered by the sample is not uniform! the chemical
analysis may not accurately reflect the nutrient status of specific sites. "actors that need to be
considered when sampling soil include the depth and time of sampling. #roper sampling depth is
affected by the crop being grown! past cropping! depth of plowing and also the nutrient of
interest. Subsoil samples are important for most crops. Standard sampling times should be used
due to the difficulty in comparing samples taken at different times. The fertility level of a field
will vary over the course of the year and interpreting results for samples taken at different times
of the year will be very difficult. Sampling between crops will give more consistent results.
$hen sampling soils! the area should be subdivided into as homogeneous sections as possible.
%etween 10 and &0 sub-samples should be composited from each area. Sub-samples should be
small enough that the composite sample will be of a si'e that can be completely processed for
analysis. The depth of the sampling is determined by the crop! the elements of interest and
e(isting knowledge about the soil profile. Samples for cultivated crops are taken from the plow
layer. #asture and sod crop soil samples should be collected from the top four inches. Samples
for nitrate! soluble salts and available micronutrients should be taken at the root depth.
Drying Recommendations
)nce samples have been collected! they must be processed promptly to prevent any changes that
might affect the analysis. %reak up large chunks of soil and spread out to air dry where the
sample will not be contaminated! particularly by fertili'er dust. The sample may also be placed in
a forced air oven set between *5+, and 55+,.
Exceptions:
Soils to be tested for #hospholipid "atty -cids .#/"-0 should be free'e dried and stored
in sealed containers at room temperature. See specific instructions in the #/"- method.
Grinding Recommendations
Soil should be crushed in a soil pulveri'er to pass through a &mm mesh screen. /arge clumps of
hard soil should be pounded into smaller clumps first. Soil pulveri'ing time is normally one to
four minutes per sample.
Exceptions:
-nalysis of ,arbon! Nitrogen .including Total 12eldahl Nitrogen0! ,alcium ,arbonate!
and total elements .-rsenic! ,admium! ,opper! ,hromium! ron! /ead! 3anganese!
3olybdenum! Nickel! #hosphorus! Selenium! 4inc0 re5uires that the sample be ground to
a powder fine enough to pass through a 60 mesh screen.
Soils with a high percentage of sand or organic material may re5uire grinding to pass
through a 60 mesh screen to achieve sample homogeneity.