Correct soil sampling method, depth, zig-zag, how much soil to send to lab.
How to take a correct soil sample for testing?
AAnita Deshmukh1yr ago · 412 views
3 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓1yr ago
Take soil from 8 to 10 spots across the field in a zig-zag (W) pattern so the sample represents the whole plot. At each spot, clear surface trash, dig a V-shaped hole to 15 cm depth for field crops (deeper for orchards), and take a uniform slice. Mix all the soil on a clean sheet, remove stones and roots, and reduce by quartering to about 500 g. Avoid sampling near bunds, trees, manure heaps, or recently fertilised strips. Air-dry in shade, label with name, survey number, and crop, and submit to the soil testing lab or KVK. Sample before sowing or after harvest, not just after fertiliser application, for a true picture.
JJoseph Lakra1yr ago
Use a clean steel or plastic tool, not a rusty one, and collect into a clean cloth bag rather than a fertiliser sack. I once reused a urea bag for the sample and the lab told me it can throw off the nitrogen reading.
VVimala Naidu1yr ago
If your field has clearly different zones, like a salty corner or a waterlogged patch, sample those separately and label them. Mixing very different soil into one bag gives an average that fits neither part of the field; always confirm the dose later against your Soil Health Card.