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