Fertcare A guide for fit for purpose soil sampling - WA Soil Knowledge Base

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Date

2019/03/01

Link

Link: Read the publication

Organisations

Fertilizer Australia

Agriculture Victoria Research, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Authors

Cameron Gourley

David Weaver

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to describe farm-based ‘fit for purpose’ soil sampling methods. These guidelines aim to ensure that soil sampling is well planned, well-equipped and well suited for its designated purpose.

Contents

Why collect soil samples?
When to sample
Selecting areas to sample within the farm
Farm level sampling strategies
Aerial photographs and developing a farm map
Accounting for soil types, landscapes, hydrology and topography
Identifying paddock / block management practices
Selecting representative paddocks / blocks for sampling
Procedure for collecting soil samples from selected paddocks/blocks
Sampling approaches
Areas to avoid
The correct number of soil cores to achieve a representative sample
Sampling pattern for selected area with no previous fertiliser banding
Sampling pattern for selected area with previous fertiliser banding
Sampling to the correct depth
Documenting and recording soil sampling location and pattern
Soil sampling equipment
Selecting the right sampling tools
Using soil sampling tools correctly
Hygiene
Soil sample handling and dispatch
Submitting samples
Quarantine issues in soil and plant sample movement
Work Health and Safety (WHS)
Soil sampling checklist
References and Further reading