Soil science - sampling procedures for soil science lab
2.
• The mainpurpose for which samples collected are:
• a. Soil fertility evaluation and fertilizer recommendation.
• b. Reclamation of problematic soils.
• c. Plantation of orchards
The methods of sampling to be used and the amount of soil to be
collected mainly depends on
1. The purpose for which sample is required
2. The nature of soil
3. The time available
3.
• Tools andmaterials required :- 1. Soil auger, tube auger, spade, pick-
axe, khurpi.
• 2. Bucket or tray.
• 3. Paper tages (Labels).
• 4. Information sheet
• 5. Cloth bags (alternatively polythene bags).
• 6. Ball point pen or copying pencil
5.
Points to consider
•Collect soil samples during the fallow period
• In the standing crops – btwn the row collected
• Sampling at several location at a zig zag pattern
• Collect separate samples from field that differ in colour slope,
13.
PRECAUTIONS
• 1. Donot draw any sample from the extreme corners of the field, area
recently manured or fertilized, old bounds and marshy spots.
• 2. Avoid sampling from furrows, acidic or alkaline pockets.
• 3. Keep the sample in a bag and tag it properly.
• 4. Do not take less than 0.5 kg of a composite sample.
• 5. Sampling should be done from a uniform piece of land.
• 6. If there is a hard pan in the pit, it should be sampled separately
and also note down its depth and thickness.
