We constantly stress about how important soil testing is for your crops and how important it is to understand the soil fertility in your fields. But following the correct sampling procedure is the first step anyone has to take to proceed with soil testing.
That is why, it is necessary to dive into understanding the standard procedure for soil sampling, which is essential to make informed decisions about your farming practices. This blog will help you understand how reliable soil samples are taken and how they provide valuable insights into your soil.
The journey towards accurate results begins with the crucial sampling process. It’s all about consistency – taking samples at the same depth and introducing a bit of randomness to the mix. The aim is to gather a variety of small samples that truly mirror the overall conditions of the field. Be sure to steer clear of spots where animals hang out, areas with vegetation either flourishing or struggling, and the usual suspects like fence rows and tree lines. For a detailed guide on how we do soil sampling, check out this video : Soil Sampling .
Materials Required
Before we begin with the soil sampling process, let’s ensure we have all the necessary materials handy. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:
- Auger: Helical or post-hole auger, shovel, spade, or trowel for digging the soil.
- Polythene sheet to lay on the ground to prevent contamination.
- Measurement scale with maximum length available to accurately measure the depth.
- Sheet, plastic tray, or bucket to collect and mix the soil samples.
- Tag (optional) to label the samples for identification.
- Permanent marker to label the sample bags.
- Polythene zip-top bags or sample bags to store the collected samples.
- Handheld mobile-based Neoperk Operator App GPS to mark the sampling locations
During Sampling :
Now that we have all the necessary materials, let’s move on to the step-by-step procedure for soil sampling.
- Search and visit the field according to the provided coordinates to collect soil samples.
- Divide the field into different homogeneous units based on visual observations and the farmer’s experience. This division ensures representative samples from different areas of the field.
- Remove surface litter, such as leaves and debris at the sampling spot, to access the soil layer.
- Drive the auger to a plough depth of 0-15, 0-30, and 0-45 cm (or as desired) and draw the soil samples. Aim to collect at least 10 to 12 samples per hectare or 5 samples per acre from each sampling unit. Place the samples in a bucket or tray.
Note: If an auger is not available, you can make a ‘V’ shaped cut to a depth of 15 cm using a spade. Remove thick slices of soil from top to bottom of the exposed face of the ‘V’ shaped cut and place it in a clean container. However, this method is suitable only for sampling up to 15 cm depth.
Post Sampling:
Now that we have the soil samples, it’s time to proceed with post-sampling activities
- Mix the collected samples thoroughly, removing any foreign materials such as roots, stones, pebbles, and gravels.
- Reduce the bulk of the samples to about 1.2 to 1.5 kilograms by either quartering or compartmentalization. Quartering involves dividing the thoroughly mixed sample into four equal parts. Discard the two opposite quarters and remix the remaining two quarters to form a composite sample.
- Collect the composite sample in a polythene zip-top bag or a sample bag, ensuring proper sealing.
- Label the bag according to the location tag and fill the Soil Survey Performa with information like sampling date, number, and area name.
- Store the sample carefully, making sure it is not exposed to direct sunlight to prevent any alteration in its composition.
Soil sampling is essential for understanding the characteristics and health of your land. By following the standard procedure outlined above, you can collect reliable soil samples and make informed decisions to optimize your farming practices.
Remember, acquiring accurate soil samples sets the foundation for successful agricultural endeavors. So, next time you step foot onto your farm, equip yourself with the necessary materials and go ahead with the standard procedure for soil sampling. Your crops will thank you for it!
To know more, reach out to us at partnerships@neoperk.co