Sampling Instructions - Soil

PROCESS

Collect samples according to the instructions found on this page and place them into the sample bag provided.

Place one barcode from the soil sample bag on the form. Place the filled soil sample bag and the completed SOF (Sample Order Form) into the
Express envelope. Dispatch by normal Express Post arrangements.

Complete the SIF (Sample Information Form). Place one barcode on the form. Keep the SIF form to keep as your record.

Note: It may be beneficial to draw and retain a rough sketch of the farm or paddock marking each sample area with the barcode number/s assigned to
the samples.

SOIL

Taking the Sample
Ensure your hands and equipment are clean before commencing sampling.

Divide the area to be sampled into relatively uniform soil types, cropping and fertiliser history. One sample is required from each of these uniform areas. It is important that your sample be representative of the paddock.

If you do not have a soil probe use a shovel or spade to dig a hole to the sample depth. Then cut a 2cm slice of soil from one side of the hole and place this soil in a plastic bucket.

Depth of sampling
Surface samples are taken to a depth of

Soil sampling - Where NOT to sample

• Unusual areas, e.g. stock camps, dam sites.
• Within 10 to 20 metres of current and old fence lines, timber burns, headlands.
• Poorly drained areas, gilgais or melon holes, etc
• Areas of poor growth or excessively good growth, e.g. dung and urine patches in
  crops or pastures.
• Areas of differing soil type, drainage patterns, and cut and fill areas.
• Areas of differing fertiliser usage including in the fertiliser band, particularly in no till or row crop situations.
• Sample high and low-yield areas separately.
• Where different soil types occur within the same paddock, sample each separately.

Areas of different farming history should be sampled separately