Soil Sample Protocol

Before taking a soil core, remove any organic matter or debris. You will need a plastic bag, permanent marker and a core sampler (or apple corer).

🪴 Soil Sampling Procedure for Specific Crops

  • For analysis related to a specific plant or crop, follow these guidelines:
  • Plant Selection: Randomly select plants throughout the sampling area.
  • Sampling Location: Take soil cores halfway between the stem and the plant’s drip line.
  • Core Collection:
    • Take 3 to 5 cores per sample.
    • Sample depth should be 3 inches.
    • Place all cores for one sample into the same bag.
  • Differential Sampling (Optional): If the sample area contains distinct zones of sick plants and healthy plants, collect and process these as separate samples.

🏷️ Sample Labeling Instructions

  • Use a permanent marker to label all sample bags.
  • The sample name/identification must be written clearly on the outside of the bag.
  • Do not place any identifying information inside the sample bag.

Compost Sampling Protocol

  1. Collect Samples: Gather approximately samples of compost from multiple locations and depths:
    • Small Pile: Minimum of 5 spots.
    • Large Windrow: Minimum of 20 spots.
  2. Sample: Combine all samples into one plastic bag to create a representative mixture.
  3. Bag Volume: Do not fill the bag more than half-full with compost material.
  4. Sealing: Seal the bag, ensuring air remains trapped inside.
  5. Labeling: Mark the sample name on the outside of the bag with a permanent marker. Do not place any ID material inside.