Collect Representative Soil Samples
At 1:59 in
TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT!!
What happens here
The creator demonstrates the correct method for collecting soil samples for laboratory analysis. He uses a spade to dig into the soil at various points across the food plot, ensuring that samples are taken from a depth of 4 to 6 inches, representing the root zone of most food plot crops. These individual samples are then mixed thoroughly in a clean plastic bucket to create a composite sample that accurately reflects the overall soil conditions of the plot. He stresses the importance of using a plastic bucket to prevent contamination that could skew the test results. Finally, a portion of this mixed soil is transferred into a designated soil testing bag provided by the extension office.
Goal: Obtain a clean and representative soil sample for laboratory analysis.
Tools and materials
- Plastic bucket — Mixing collected soil samples to create a composite sample
- Soil testing bag — Holding the final composite soil sample for submission to the laboratory
- Spade — Digging into the soil to collect individual samples
- Soil — The material to be analyzed for pH and nutrient content