SAMPLE COLLECTION
It is vitally important that samples are collected in a manner that ensures the integrity of the product be it water, soil, or food. The introduction of any microbiological or chemical contaminant at the time of sample collection can cause the results to be incorrect and therefore any remedial action that may be taken may at best be unnecessary or at worst be detrimental.We have included some information that will assist in the collection of various sample types. It is strongly recommended that this sampling advice be followed.
METHOD FOR COLLECTING SOIL SAMPLES
Whether you need to determine the acidity or alkalinity of your soil or check to see if certain fertilisers or nutrients are required, Tasmanian Laboratory Services offers a comprehensive range of chemical tests to help you in your determinations.Tasmanian soils often vary considerably in chemical and physical composition. This variation can exist over short distance; between districts, farms or even a single paddock
Good sampling techniques will ensure that these variations are kept to a minimum.
COLLECTING SOIL SAMPLES:
SELECTING AREAS FOR SAMPLING•
Areas known to be of different soil types or areas cropped or fertilised differently must be sampled separately.
• Each sample must be a mixture of soil from at least 30 to 40 different spots taken from standard depth.
• For home gardens, 10 sample spots are sufficient.
• Each mixed sample must represent an area less than 20 hectares.
• For large areas please submit more than one mixed sample.
Samples should not be taken from areas fertilised or limed within the past 3 months.
Samples are best taken in a zig-zag pattern across the sample area to give an even distribution of sample sites.
Avoid patches of very good growth, stock camps, fence lines, dam and trough surrounds and burnt areas.
SAMPLING TOOL
Take a sample using a tube sampler or spade. Do not use a soil auger. If using a spade, dig a small hole with a flat side. Take a vertical slice about 20mm thick to the depth as indicated in the following table.
SOIL DEPTHS - In bowling greens and golf greens or fine turf where regular liming and top dressing is practised. | 0 – 75mm |
| - In general purpose lawns, sporting grounds, golf fairways and recreational areas, or areas proposed for such. | 0 – 75mm |
| - In pasture land | 0 – 75mm |
| - Field crops (cereal, legumes, oilseeds) or areas proposed for such. | 0 – 150mm |
| - In orchards*, vineyards and row crops (market gardens, cut flowers, hilled irrigated summer crops) or areas proposed for such. | 0 – 150mm |
| - In home gardens, vegetable and flower beds. | 0 – 150mm |
* sub surface samples are also required Collect the soil slices in a clean container. Samples and their containers should be protected from contamination by fertiliser, lime, manure or liquids (eg. truck trays, agricultural machinery or gumboots can be sources of these contaminants).
Do not use EX-FERTILISER, LIME BAGS, envelopes or glass jar.
If you have collected more than 1 kg of soil slices for one mixed sample spread out on a clean surface, break up the lumps and mix them in thoroughly. Take small portions in an even distribution until the final sample obtained has a weight of 0.5–1.0 kg.
Transfer to clean container (eg plastic bag) and label samples clearly.Attach a separate sheet of paper with the date, name, details, postal address, telephone and fax number and soil tests required. Include specific crop or use, location, soil type and paddock history if any ( see table). Requests forms can be obtain from the laboratory. Samples must be delivered to the laboratory ASAP. Tasmanian Laboratory Services has access to an extensive courier service. For enquires regarding soil sampling, chemical testing and courier services please phone the laboratory during business hours. Specific crop | Barley, broccoli, broad beans, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, fairways, forage brassica, green beans, lettuce, oat, onions, potatoes, peas, poppies, swedes, sweet corn |
| Location | Fairways, lawns, greens, (bowling , golf) pasture dairy, pasture extensive, race tracks, sports fields |
| Soil type | K = kraznozems (red soils)
L = Loam/clay loam
S = sandy/sandy
Loam |
| Paddock history | 1 = long pasture
2 = short pasture
3 = crop & green manure
4 = continuous crop |