How do I take soil samples correctly?
Accurate soil analysis starts with correct sampling. Even the most advanced laboratory equipment cannot produce reliable results if the samples do not reflect the real condition of the field.
For a high-quality agrochemical survey, follow a few basic rules:
- Plan the sampling. Take the field’s characteristics into account and determine the number of samples, sampling depth and route.
- Choose the right time. Samples are best taken after harvesting the previous crop or 3–4 weeks before sowing. After applying fertilizers or soil amendments, wait at least 2 months.
- Sampling depth. For a standard agrochemical survey of the plough layer, samples are taken from a depth of 20–30 cm.
- Number of cores. One composite sample is made up of 15–20 individual cores collected along a set route.
- Clean tools. Equipment must be clean and free of rust and contaminants that could distort the results.
- Preparing the sample. Mix the collected soil thoroughly, form a sample of approximately 400–500 g and label it properly.
🔬 Comprehensive agrodiagnostics from AgriLab takes a professional approach to soil sampling that accounts for the characteristics of each field.
AgriLab specialists help determine the optimal sampling scheme, the number of samples and the required depth. The laboratory results are used to create nutrient availability maps and individual recommendations for optimising fertilization.
After all, mistakes at the sampling stage can lead to wrong recommendations, unnecessary fertilizer costs and lost yield.
The result: reliable information about soil condition, well-founded agronomic decisions, optimised costs and the conditions for higher profitability per hectare.
AgriLab — correct soil sampling is the first step towards precise decisions and profitable farming!
