HOW TO TAKE A PROPER SOIL SAMPLE
Soil sampling is a very essential step in making effective farm management plans and soil fertility decisions. Evaluating changes in soil pH, available nutrient levels, and soil fertility over time requires accurate soil sampling to represent field conditions. Reliable soil analysis and proper interpretation of the results are only possible when appropriate soil sampling practices are implemented. There are many approaches on how to define your sample areas, but they generally fall into one of three options:
1. Whole-field sampling: This involves collecting soil samples from an entire field to get an average representation of the soil conditions across the area. This method is particularly useful for areas that are relatively uniform in soil type, topography, and management practices. How is it done:
a. Collect 15-20 subsamples from different spots across the field and place them into a clean plastic bucket.
b. Mix thoroughly the subsamples in the bucket to create a composite sample.
c. Put the composite soil mixture in sampling bags: 500 grams (about 2 cups) of soil per sample is enough for most analyses.
d. Submit an online request for tests through the online portal.
e. Write the sample ID number and other details on the sampling bag and send it to Cropland Analytics.
2. Zone sampling: This is a targeted approach to soil sampling. The field is divided into different management zones (based on soil type, topography, crop performance, and management history). How it is done:
a. For each zone, collect 10-15 subsamples. Follow a random or systematic pattern within each zone to ensure the subsamples represent the entire zone.
b. Mix the subsamples collected from each zone in a clean bucket to form a composite soil sample.
c. Put the composite soil mixture in sampling bags: 500 grams (about 2 cups) of soil per sample is enough for most analyses.
d. Submit an online request for tests through the online portal.
e. Write the sample ID number and other details on the sampling bag and send it to Cropland Analytics
3. Grid sampling: The goal of grid sampling is to get detailed information about soil properties across a field. Grid sizes range from 0.5 to 5 acres per grid. Use GPS technology or field maps to create and locate the grid. Each grid cell should be assigned coordinates or a unique identifier. How it is done:
a. Locate Sampling Points: Use the grid map or GPS device to find the center of each grid cell.
b. Within each grid cell, collect 4-8 subsamples randomly but within the cell boundaries. Then combine the subsamples to form one composite sample for that grid cell.
c. Mix the subsamples in a clean bucket to create a composite sample, representing the entire grid cell.
d. Place the sample in a sampling bag.
e. 500 grams (about 2 cups) of soil per sample is enough for most analyses.
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Submit an online request for tests through the online portal.
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Write the sample ID number and other details on the sampling bag and send it to Cropland Analytics