Why do we sample our soil? Soil chemistry or biology testing Identify field variability
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 cm, depending on soil and field Mix samples Composite sample
Where don’t we collect our samples from? Anomalous/non-representative locations Around trees Field edges Near manure or compost piles Around standing water
What do we do after samples have been taken?
Where do we send our samples?
Is this a good time to be sampling our soil?
What do we do with the results?
Collection Methods Random Sampling Random locations Easy way to get a representative sample Grid Sampling Good for observing variation in landscape Does not take into consideration topography Topography Sampling Addresses variation in field topography or features
Variation in Fields – e.g., OM and pH
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