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Definition

Soil sampling is the taking of a representative soil quantity from a piece of land in order to determine soil pH and nutrient status. pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+ ) and Hydroxyl ions (H- ) in a given soil solutions. pH stands for potential Hydrogen, or a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a soil solution.



Guidelines to follow in soil sampling

i) Leave about 5metres of land at the edges of the field.

ii) Take ten sub samples from the whole field. At each sub sample collect about 10-20 grams of soil.

iii) Sample from different parts of the field so as to get a true representation of the whole field.

iv) Avoid ant-heaps and edges of the field because they are fertile.

v) Take samples during the months of May- June when soils are dry.



Procedure (Steps) to follow in sampling

a) Sample using a spade shovel.

b) Dig a V-shaped hole to a depth of 17,5cm.

c) From the V-shaped hole, get the soil from both sides of the hole (about 10-20grams).

D) Repeat step C above for all the ten sub-samples.

e) Mix the soil from the 10 sub-samples thoroughly.

f) Allow the soil to dry out and take 1kg of soil. Put it in the soil cardboard box, as representing the field sample. (composite sample)

g) Label the box with your name and address.

h) Post/deliver the sample to: Soil-test Laboratory, P.O.BoxCY500, Causeway, Harare.

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