Taking a soil test?

[taprlawncare]

Hope this isn't a dumb question but I've never taken a soil test, and I've run into a new client that wants me to fix his weed infested lawn. I haven't contacted a lab where they do soil tests yet. I'm not sure where to start, will a lab send me the supplies that I need to start collecting the soil, or can i just go to this customers yard and collect the soil myself? where do i start?

[White Gardens]

Just use small paper sacks, or zip-lock bags.

Just dig into the root zone and take your sample there.

If you use a zip-lock bag, make sure you keep them open if you hold them for a long period of time. My theory on this is that you could "cook" the samples and possible contaminate the sample if it rots.

[Kiril]

You need to check with the lab what their requirements are. Most labs also have a sampling kit you can purchase.

Generally this is what you want to do.

1) For general sampling in a 20 cm (6-8") potentially effective root zone build a composite sample from multiple samples. You want to take 10-20 samples to the desired depth in a given area that has similar soil properties, topography, and management regime, etc....

There are cases where you may want to independently sample different depths (i.e. 0"-2", 2"-4", 4"-6", etc...). If you have distinct horizon change in 8" (other than O to A), or if you have a need to manage nutrients differently at given depths, you may want to test them separately.

For very general purposes in a relatively homogeneous soil, your core samples should be 0-8" depth, discarding any organic matter at the top of the core, and very well mixed.

2) Throughly mix all the samples together in a plastic bucket, glass or stainless steel bowl and take 300-500 grams (~ 10-20 oz) from that mix.

3) For your purposes, air dry your composite sample and grind it up so it will pass through a 2mm (#10) sieve (minimum).

Note: There are some very good reasons for not drying samples. You need to decide what is appropriate based on your needs and what the lab requires for submitted samples.

4) Send it to the lab as soon as it is ready in an appropriate sample bag or container. Do NOT sit on the sample.

Make sure you record the appropriate data for the samples you send so you know what they are for.

[clipperslawnservice]

our county ag. extension office has soil samp. kits w/directions and add. to send it to.