TAKING A SOIL SAMPLEJill Montle, District Technician

Athens SWCD

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLE

Why should we sample?Soil sampling or testing shows our

soils potential productivity. Why should we care?

Knowing the nutrient content of soils, allows us toCORRECTLY make appropriate amendments to maximize yields – whether it be crops, pasture, lawn, etc.

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLE

Typically we sample for the following: Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) pH Cation exchange capacity Organic matter %

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLEExample of a soil sample result.

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLE

When should we test?Spring or Fall. Don’t try to sample soils that are extremely wet or dry.

What would be an advantage to fall testing?Fall sampling allows time for any potentially needed lime application to be applied as it can take as long as 6 months for a lime application adjust soil pH.

How often?Generally every 3-4 years.

Tools of the trade Clean instruments! Clean collection containers –

plastic works great. Use stainless steel or

chrome-plated instruments and/or collection containers. Soil sampling probes are available for use for a REFUNDABLE deposit of $50.

Avoid brass, bronze or galvanized tools or collection containers.

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLE

Take soil cores or slices from at least 15 different places, using a zigzag pattern to obtain the best representation of the area.

Simple steps!

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLE

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLE

Sample a row crop field or garden between rows to avoid fertilizer bands.

Take separate samples from fields that have received different fertility programs or that have different land uses.

Take separate samples from soils that are distinguishable by color, drainage, unique land form features, or other factors i.e. in a draw, on a hill, etc.

Test results are only going to be as good as the sample taken, therefore it is very important to take a representative sample.

Simple steps! Remove the top

debris, residue, rocks, etc.

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLE

Simple steps! Sample gardens,

trees, shrubs, flower beds and orchards 6-8 inches deep.

Sample lawns 3-4 inches deep.

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLE

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLE

Mix all samples in your clean container.

Let sample AIR dry. Remove any stones,

roots, or other debris. Crush any clumps. Take sample to business

of choice for analysis. About one cup of soil is appropriate.

Simple steps!

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLE

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLESample of form you will need to fill out when sending off your soil.

Click icon to add picture

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLE

TAKING A SOIL SAMPLENutrient availability by pH in mineral soils.

http://www.avocadosource.com/tools/fertcalc_files/ph.htm

DON’T GUESS – SOIL TEST!