Soil Sampling

By: ZEESHAN AKRAM

Agricultural Soil Chemist, FSML
Soil Sampling

Objective
1. To collect a soil sample that is representative
of a field or portion of a field

2. To obtain information about a field and use

that information to make management
decisions
• Nutrient management
• Soil problems management
Sampling a Field:
2 basic methods/approaches
Random
Zone
 Sampling a Field
1. Random
• Suitable for uniform fields
• Sample should represent no more than 5-10 acre
• 20 cores composited to produce one sample
• Collected in a zig-zag pattern across the field
Sampling a Field
1. Random
Sampling a Field
2. Zone
Recommended for fields having definite patches of
low fertility, salinity and sodicity
• Divide field into areas that are < 5-10 acre
• 20 cores composited to produce 1 sample/zone
• Collected in a zig-zag pattern across the zone
Sampling a Field
2. Zone
How to take a soil sample
1. Determine where/how you will sample
2. Gather equipment
• Buckets
• Augers
Taking Sample at Plow Depth
Cut ½”strip
from
side
Plow
Depth
15-20 cm

Soil auger Spade

How to take a soil sample
3. Sampling depth
Core to a depth of 6-9”
4. Sample Size
One kg soil sample. Place the 20 cores into a
bucket & mix thoroughly
4. Place in sample box
Fill out info. on box & paperwork
THANX