Soil Sampling Has To Be Done Right

This past spring, I wrote about why soil testing is important (see my Bio Green blog entry for more info). One overlooked point of that blog post was the importance of how the soil sample is taken, which is not complex but does take thought and effort. The most likely roadblock to getting accurate soil test results is poor sampling technique. The soil test labs themselves (we use VA Tech) make so few mistakes, it's safe to assume that any potential errors are not their fault. That little 6 ounce box 'o dirt you send them needs to represent about 500,000 pounds of soil for the average sized quarter acre lawn. You can easily see if the sample is not taken properly, the results won't help you much. I won't get into the step by step of how to pull a good soil sample (visit VA Tech's web site for instructions),but rest assured, leaning out of your truck to pull a few plugs right where you parked is not the preferred method.

Photo Credit: Joseph R. Hunnings, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech; Stephen J. Donohue, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech; Steve Heckendorn, Laboratory Manager, Virginia Tech Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University

Author: Dave Schrader, the NOVA Lawn Guru