Soil Sampling

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Soil Sampling

• By Johnny M. Jessup
• Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor

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Introduction

• The purpose of taking soil samples is to
  determine the need for.
• Lime
• Nitrogen
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Other nutrient deficiencies
  may be determined.

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Purpose of Soil Sampling

• Soil samples may be sent to specialized
  laboratories to determine.
• Load-bearing or drainage capabilities.
• Contamination by chemicals.
• Insect and disease presence.

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Where to Send Soil Samples?

• In North Carolina, soil samples are sent to
  Agronomic Division of the NC Dept. of Agriculture
  Consumer Services.

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When to Take Soil Samples?

• Soil samples may be taken anytime of the year,
  but.
• Adequate time is needed to implement laboratory
  recommendations in time for the crop to be
  planted.

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When to Take Soil Samples?

• For fall planting, sample should be taken in the
  spring.
• For spring planting, sample should be taken in
  the fall.

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Proper Sampling Procedures

• Get soil sample information sheets
  and cartons.
• Clean tools and containers.
• Plastic bucket.
• Soil tube or auger.
• Take one composite
  sample from each
  uniform area.

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Proper Sampling Procedures

• Take 10 to 15 small cores or slices from the
  large unifrom area.
• Take core or slices about 4 deep for lawns and
  about 6 deep for fields.
• Mix the cores or slices together in a clean
  bucket and take a sample of about one pint to
  represent the area sampled.

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Proper Sampling Procedures

• Complete the sample information sheet and carton
  information.
• Draw a map and keep a record of where you sampled
  and sample numbers.
• Include the information sheet with carton of soil
  sample and mail or take to the appropriate
  testing laboratory.

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Proper Sampling Procedures

• Avoid unusual areas unless you want to get a
  sample of the unusual area only so that it can be
  treated.
• Such as dead or yellow spots in lawns or field.

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Soil Test Reports

• Provides the results of the laboratory analysis
  and suggests.
• Fertilization program
• Lime application
• Possibly other treatments based
  on the test results.

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Reading Soil Test Reports

• Actual nutrients are reported in (ppm) parts per
  million.
• To help plant producers understand the report the
  following are also used
• High
• Low
• Very low

• Very high
• Slightly acid
• Etc.

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Acidity vs. Alkalinity

• Level of acidity or alkalinity is
  shown by the pH.

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pH Scale
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Ph Scale Review

• What would be a pH of 7.0?
• Neutral
• What would a Ph pf 6.3 be?
• Moderately acidic.
• What would a pH of 7.2 be?
• Slightly alkaline.

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Additional Support

• If more info/assistance is needed, the following
  people can be contacted
• Cooperative Extension Agent
• Agricultural Education Teacher
• Other knowledgeable people that work with soil
  test reports.

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Designed By

• Johnny M. Jessup FFA Advisor
• Hobbton High School