SST 2143

SOIL SCIENCE AND CONSERVATION

MANAGEMENT

LABORATORY 3
SOIL SAMPLING AND SAMPLE PREPARATION

PREPARED BY:
NABILAH BINTI SAMSUDDIN (BM22100013)
MUHAMMAD SYAHRUL IMRAN BIN ZAINAL ABIDIN (BM22100022)

PROVIDED BY:
MADAM MIZAN FATIHAH BINTI MOHAMAD

DUE DATE:

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

(AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT) (HONOURS) FIRST SEMESTER 2022/2023
INTRODUCTION
Soil Sampling
Soil samples were collected to get information about the land in an area. Soil is usually
different, in which nature is changed horizontally in landscape or down according to the
profile of the soil. The nature of the soil on a large area can be characterized by using the few
kilograms of samples.
Sample Planning
There are two types planning which are judgemental sampling and random sampling.
Judgemental sampling is a normal sampling that can be visible. It is always used as a base for
exploration in environmental studies. Random sampling is a probability sampling. Random
sampling has rules. It is in environmental studies. Random sampling is a probability
sampling. Random sampling has rules. It is used to identify individuals in the population and
each individual has the probability to be chosen.

Example of random sampling:

1. Simple random sampling
Allows the probability for all combinations of sample units to be chosen
2. Stratified random sampling
A large area is divided into several sub regions or sub strata. Samples were taken randomly
within each stratum. This method is used to improve the accuracy of the information and
know the characteristics of each stratum.
3. Grid or systemic sampling
Grid is a scheme that is used to select the unit at the same distance from each other. This
method assures that all of the sampling area covered. The distance between the samples was
the same.

OBJECTIVE
1. To Obtain Reliable Information about Particular Soil
2. To Learn the Different Sampling Methods for Different Analysis Purpose.
3. To Prepare Soil Sample for Further Laboratory Analysis.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Auger, ruler, plastic bag, sticker, marker pen
PROCEDURE
1. Soil samples taken by used an auger at two different depths of 0-25cm (topsoil) and
below 25cm(subsoil).
2. Soil samples had been put in the plastic bags and had been labelled according to the
area, soil depth, date and group members.
3. Soil samples had been dried in the laboratory for 7 days (air dry).

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Location Top soil Sub soil

A

Table 1: Soil sample at location A, B, C

Topsoil vs Subsoil

 Topsoil usually darker in colour than the subsoil

 Topsoil contains more organic matter from decaying plants and their roots than
subsoil.
 It's usually looser and less compacted than the subsoil.

REMARKS

Soil sample Location

A Lemongrass plot in front guard
B Oil palm plot near the hostel
C Festination Plot/Library

QUESTION

1. Give the benefits and the disadvantages of using grid sampling?

 Benefits of grid sampling are creating accurate, site precise data that results in
more efficient fertilizer placement, better environmental stewardship, and
greater impactful yield results. It additionally allows us to avoid placing
excessive value inputs in which they'll now not be needed or may exacerbate
a current problem. The disadvantages are it need time to get the result, not
ideal for all location and need specialized equipment like auger.

2. Why is it important to collect representative soil sample?

 Measures the nutrients that remain in your land after harvest. Tells you which
nutrients are deficient or rich in a field's soil. Assists you in determining the
most effective fertilization strategy for increasing or maintaining yields.

2. How drying the soil can affect the characteristics of the soil?

 Loose, single grained gritty or very weak clods. pH soil decreased and
increased calcium, micronutrient, and metal extractability. Lastly, decreases
soil health and productivity while increasing the loss of fertile topsoil due to
wind and water flow.
CONCLUSION

At the end of lab work student gained characteristic information of a soil such as colour,
organic matter and compaction of topsoil and subsoil. After that, to get accurate results, the
sampling method that has been used is grid sampling by using an auger for topsoil and
subsoil. Lastly, for further study the soil samples obtained are stored in the laboratory in a dry
state.

REFERENCE
 Physical effects of soil drying on roots and crop growth, Andrew P.
Whitmore, Journal of Experimental Botany, Volume 60, Issue 10, July 2009,
Pages 2845–2857
 SST 2143 chapter 4, soil physical properties
 Using Grid soil sampling w/Precision Ag Technologies, by Katlynn Weathers
soil, April 10 2013