SOIL SAMPLING FOR MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Capacite, Irene Franz

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT

Hand shovel

Soil Auger

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT

Soil augers are more precise than shovels because they ensure that samples are taken to exactly the same depth on each occasion
Important: several factors vary with depth such as oxygen, moisture and organic carbon content, and soil temperature
useful

for taking shallow soil samples from areas that are unsaturated

SOIL LAYERS

Topsoil usually the top 2 in (5.1cm) to 8 in (10cm) Rhizosphere enhanced microbial activity and specific plant-microbe interactions

Rhizosphere soil soil adhering to plant roots

SOIL SAMPLING GENERAL PROCEDURE

1.

Take soil sample using hand shovel or soil auger. The weight of soil sample depends on the amount needed for analysis.
small 100g medium 100g 1kg large - < 1kg
Important! DO NOT AIRDRY SOIL SAMPLE -air drying decreases microbial activity

SOIL SAMPLING GENERAL PROCEDURE

2.

Place sample in an appropriate container.

Usually, plastic bags are used to allow very minimal air to enter. To have a completely anaerobic state, the container should be a sealable glass or a rigid plastic

SOIL SAMPLING GENERAL PROCEDURE

3.

4.

Deliver soil sample immediately to the laboratory for analysis. Soil samples must be kept in ice while being transported. In case storage is needed, soil samples must be kept in a dark place with a field moist condition at 4C.

Do not keep soil sample for too long Acceptable up to 3 weeks