Overview

The approach to soil sampling depends on the reasons for soil analysis. Soil is not a homogeneous mass. Plant life, topography, agronomic practices, etc. affect the uniformity of a soil. The accuracy of the soil analysis data depends on the accuracy with which the soil samples are taken.

Objectives

This guide is intended to enable you to:

• explain the nature of soil variation

• determine the number of samples required

• take soil samples according to four sampling plans

• prevent sampling errors

• conduct sub-sampling and composite sampling

• take soil samples and prepare samples for analysis

Study materials

• Samples or photographs (color slides) of soil profiles

• Photographs of topographic variation

• Soil samples

• Sampling tools

• Sample preparation tools

Practicals

• Demonstrate soil variation in the field

• Practice soil sampling according to sections 3 to 6

• Calculate number of samples required

• Make composite samples

• Take soil samples and prepare them for analysis