Grid Soil Sampling Cody Claflin Soil 4213
Objectives Common practices and methods of soil collection Common practices and methods of soil collection Benefits and Disadvantages Benefits and Disadvantages How grid sampling works. How grid sampling works. Conclusion Conclusion
Practices Composite Composite Zone Zone Grid Grid
Methods Hand Hand Mechanical Mechanical
Purposes of Soil Sampling 1.Measure the nutrient content or availability of the soil 2.Identify nutrient deficiencies 3.Predict crop response to added nutrients 4.Build a nutrient management plan H. Zhang 2009
Advantages More accurate than a composite. More accurate than a composite. Allows layering of data Allows layering of data Allocates nutrients where they are needed most Allocates nutrients where they are needed most Save money and increase yield* Save money and increase yield*
Disadvantages Can be cost prohibitive* Can be cost prohibitive* Not ideal for all situations Not ideal for all situations Time consuming Time consuming Needs specialized equipment Needs specialized equipment
The Grid Setting up a field boundary Setting up a field boundary From here a geo referenced grid can be designed. From here a geo referenced grid can be designed. Soil can be collected in a point or composite of the grid area. Soil can be collected in a point or composite of the grid area.
How it all works Soil Test Labs Soil Test Labs Results Results
Cont. Interpolation Interpolation Recs + Results Recs + Results
The Results
Differences
Conclusion Any sampling is better than none at all. Any sampling is better than none at all. Choose the method that returns the most profit. Choose the method that returns the most profit. Questions? Questions?