Soil Sampling

If You Are Not Taking Bulk Density Samples

If you are using the Auger Technique

Soil Science Basics

Soil & the Environment

Working with soil

Soil & Students

Soil & Agriculture

1. Auger to a depth of 1 or 2 cm past the top of the horizon to be sampled. If the horizon is thinner than the length of the auger head, partially turn the auger so that the whole sample will be from one horizon.

augering into horizons

2. Place the sample in a labeled bag or other soil conainer. Avoid touching the sample and contaminating it.

3. Bring these samples in from the field, and spread them on separate plastic plates or sheets of newspaper to dry in the air.

soil on newspaper

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Last Updated: September 17, 2001