1. Why do we sample our soil? • Soil chemistry or biology testing • Identify field variability Soil Sampling

2. How do we take a sample? • Sample fields indiviudally • Choose random locations in each field • Take uniform-sized sample from each location • Remove surface OM and plants • Sample 15-30 cm, depending on soil and field • Mix samples  Composite sample Soil Sampling

3. Where don’t we collect our samples from? • Anomalous/non-representative locations • Around trees • Field edges • Near manure or compost piles • Around standing water Soil Sampling

4. What do we do after samples have been taken? Soil Sampling

5. Where do we send our samples? Soil Sampling

6. Is this a good time to be sampling our soil? Soil Sampling

7. What do we do with the results? Soil Sampling

8. Collection Methods • Random Sampling • Random locations • Easy way to get arepresentative sample • Grid Sampling • Good for observingvariation in landscape • Does not take into consideration topography • Topography Sampling • Addresses variation in field topography or features Sampling methodologies

9. Variation in Fields – e.g., OM and pH Sampling methodologies

10. Composite Samples • Random and Grid Sampling • Consolidate and mix soil samples in equal parts • Take representative sample of composite for lab • Topography Sampling • Consolidate samples from each specific area • Take representative samples of composite for lab Sampling methodologies