One of the most important aspects of analytical work is the proper collection and preparation of representative samples. The following are some general guidelines on sampling techniques for soils, plants and water. Specific sampling information can be obtained from a variety of sources, including literature and Extension Specialists. This document also includes recommendations for preparing samples prior to submitting them to the ANR Analytical Lab. If you have any questions regarding sampling or sample preparation, please contact the Lab at 530-752-0147.
Soils
Plant (and Feed)
Water
Miscellaneous Sample Types
References
SAMPLING: Soil sampling is a particularly difficult task when attempting to get a representative sample. Normally a 500-gram sample is submitted to the laboratory for analysis. This 500-gram sample may represent 10 or more acres. If the area covered by the sample is not uniform, the chemical analysis may not accurately reflect the nutrient status of specific sites. Factors that need to be considered when sampling soil include the depth and time of sampling. Proper sampling depth is affected by the crop being grown, past cropping, depth of plowing and also the nutrient of interest. Subsoil samples are important for most crops. Standard sampling times should be used due to the difficulty in comparing samples taken at different times. The fertility level of a field will vary over the course of the year and interpreting results for samples taken at different times of the year will be very difficult. Sampling between crops will give more consistent results.
When sampling soils, the area should be subdivided into as homogeneous sections as possible. Between 10 and 20 sub-samples should be composited from each area. Sub-samples should be small enough that the composite sample will be of a size that can be completely processed for analysis. The depth of the sampling is determined by the crop, the elements of interest and existing knowledge about the soil profile. Samples for cultivated crops are taken from the plow layer. Pasture and sod crop soil samples should be collected from the top four inches. Samples for nitrate, soluble salts and available micronutrients should be taken at the root depth.
DRYING RECOMMENDATIONS: Once samples have been collected, they must be processed promptly to prevent any changes that might affect the analysis. Break up large chunks of soil and spread out to air dry where the sample will not be contaminated, particularly by fertilizer dust. The sample may also be placed in a forced air oven set between 35°C and 55°C.
GRINDING RECOMMENDATIONS: Soil should be crushed in a soil pulverizer to pass through a 20 mesh screen. Large clumps of hard soil should be pounded into smaller clumps first. Soil pulverizing time is normally one to four minutes per sample.
- Analysis of Carbon, Nitrogen (including Total Kjedahl Nitrogen), and total elements (Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Chromium, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Phosphorus, Selenium, Zinc) requires that the sample be ground to a powder fine enough to pass through a 60 mesh screen.
- Soils with a high percentage of sand or organic material may require grinding to pass through a 60 mesh screen to achieve sample homogeneity.
Exceptions:
SAMPLING: Sampling plays a critical role in plant analysis. When analyzing the nutrient status of plants, it is essential to select the plant part for chemical analysis that reflects the status of the particular element of interest. Four samplings during a growing season are usually sufficient to characterize seasonal nutritional patterns. One sampling should be early in the growing season, two in mid-season and the last one just prior to harvest. Four samples should be collected from each field or management unit. Each sample should contain material from at least 20 plants to ensure adequate, representative material for analytical testing. Separate samples should be taken from areas that appear different from the rest of the field.
A young mature leaf is generally selected for analysis. The sample can be subdivided into blade and petiole. The status of Cl, NO3-N, NH4-N, extractable K and P, in the form of PO4-P (2% acetic acid) are generally determined through analysis of the petiole. Blades are used when evaluating the status of K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Mo, SO4-S and total-N in plants. For diagnostic purposes, only leaves that have recently developed symptoms should be collected for chemical analysis.
DRYING RECOMMENDATIONS: After collection, plant material should be washed to remove any residual soil or dust. Fresh samples or those suspected to be moist should be placed into paper bags (with adequate room for air movement within the bag) and dried in a forced air oven at 55-60°C. In general, adequate drying time is approximately 12 hours or until the material snaps or breaks easily. All samples, except freeze drying material, should be turned every 24 hours.
- Range samples take 24 hours or more to dry
- Power plant ash samples take three days to dry
- Solid pieces of wood take 24 hours to dry
- Rice soils take two days to dry
- Any material larger than gallon size will take one or more days to dry
- Fruits and vegetables should be freeze dried and pureed (weigh the samples before and after the freeze drying process)
Exceptions:
These time frames are based on use of a large, forced-air oven. Times need to be adjusted accordingly for other types/sizes of ovens.
GRINDING RECOMMENDATIONS: Most plant and feed samples should be ground to pass through a 40 mesh screen. Large wood samples must be splintered into smaller pieces before grinding. Average grinding time is one minute per sample if less than 10 grams or three to four minutes for samples over 10 grams.
- Exceptions:
- Grape blades-use a 20 mesh screen due to tricomb separation from leaf
- Sugar beet petioles-use a 20 mesh screen due to high sugar content
- Walnut leaf-use a 20 mesh screen due to fibers in veins
- Corn stalks-use a 10 mesh screen due to high sugar content
- Freeze dried samples-do not need to be ground as they are easily crushed manually
SAMPLING: Samples must be representative. Samples should be collected in clean, plastic bottles that have been rinsed three times prior to use. Well-water samples should be collected after pumping for at least 30 minutes. Sampling from distribution systems should be done after the lines have been flushed sufficiently to ensure that the sample is representative of the supply. If NO3-N, NH4-N or PO4-P are elements of interest the samples should be frozen or kept below 40° F. Samples collected for alkalinity, conductivity, phosphate, sulfate, turbidity or solids should also be refrigerated until analysis can be completed. Due to the problems of absorption or precipitation, if micronutrients, metals or salts are of interest, the sample, or a sub-sample, should be acidified to pH <2 as soon as possible after collection. Freezing is a good choice for water sample preservation in many cases.
Please take the following precautions when sending frozen water samples:
- Always leave at least 10% of the container unfilled to accommodate the expansion of the water when frozen.
- Do not place sample containers directly onto dry ice. Place some insulation between the dry ice and the sample containers.
- Do not use glass bottles.
Click here to view a summary of EPA recommendations for sample preservation and holding times - Sampling-EPA Requirements (PDF)
The ANR Analytical Laboratory accepts other sample types such as blood or manure for specific testing. Please contact the Lab if you have questions regarding sample preparation for sample types not included in this document.
Reisenauer, H. M. (ed.) 1978. Soil and Plant-Tissue Testing in California, Division of Agricultural Sciences, University of California, Bulletin 1879.