Soil Sampling

If You Are Not Taking Bulk Density Samples

If you are using the Surface Sample Method

Soil Science Basics

Soil & the Environment

Working with soil

Soil & Students

Soil & Agriculture

1. Dig three large samples from the soil surface. Avoid the area of the soil face that was tested for carbonates and avoid touching the soil samples so that you pH measurements will not be contaminated.

trowel sample

2. Place each sample in a bag or other soil container.

sample in bag

3. Label each bag with the site name and top and bottom depths.

Labeled bag

4. Bring these samples in from the field, and spread them on separate plastic plates or sheets of newspaper to dry in the air.

soil on newspaper

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Last Updated: September 17, 2001