Soil Sampling

Soil Sampling

Soil sampling can lead to an adaptive managment program that individualizes a fertility program to the management practices used on the farm or individual field. Divide up the landscape to obtain representative samples:The area being sampled should not exceed 25 acres for whole fields. Avoid sampling after a manure (wait 6 months) or fertilizer application (wait 2 months).  Remove debris or residue from surface.  Using a zig-zag pattern, take approximately 10-15 cores per sample area, being sure to maintain a consistent depth.  8 inches is recommended.  Use GPS to mark sample points for future sampling comparisons. Send samples to lab.