Sampling Instructions

The soil test data we provide you will only be as good as the sample you provide us. The sample must be representative of what you want tested. Pulling a good sample is the important first step to a good soil test. Here is some advice on how to pull samples in different situations. Be sure to include a sample submittal form with the samples.

 

Construction Materials in Stockpiles

Sand, soil, root zone mixes, or gravel in stockpiles should be taken in several locations within a stockpile.  The outer 6 inches of the pile should be pulled back and a sampling tube (PVC is adequate) inserted into the pile.  Withdraw the sample and place it in a large container, such as a 5 gallon pail.  A minimum of 6 samples should be removed from different sections and levels in the pile.  Once all of the samples are taken, the composite sample should be spread on a tarp, mixed thoroughly, and split in half.  Discard half.  Split the remaining material in half, and discard half again.  Continue doing this until you have a one gallon sized sample.

Peat samples for organic matter quality should be a randomly selected bale.  Bulk peat samples should be taken as described for sands and root zones.

Samples Taken from On-site

When you take samples from an existing site, first think about what you want sampled.  Do you want to test just the topsoil?  Do you want to test the subsoil?  Is there variability across the area? In general, several random samples should be taken across the area to be sampled.  We recommend a minimum of 10 samples per acre. Combine and mix the samples, and pull a representative sample for testing.

Greens Organic Testing

Golf greens sampled for organic matter content in the surfaces can be taken one of two ways.  The most common way is to pull a 4 inch cup cutter to a depth of 2 to 4 inches.  Wrap the core in aluminum foil and label.  Samples can also be taken with a 1/2" or 3/4" soil sampling tube from several locations on the green.  Place the samples intact into a plastic bag, seal, and label.

Diagnostic Testing (in-situ cores)

Assessing properties such as infiltration rates, density, and aeration and capillary pore space of soils already in place is best done on undisturbed soil samples.  We need 4 samples from each green, sports field, or other area to be tested.

Step 1:  Cut 2" diameter PVC pipe into sections.  The pipe must be 2" diameter to fit our equipment.  Sections should be long enough to reach to the desired sampling depth.  For greens or sports fields with a gravel blanket, cut it long enough to sample the gravel and into the subsoil.

Figure 1. Cut 2” PVC pipe into sections.

Step 2:  Bevel the edge on one end to provide a sharp surface to cut into the green or sports field.

Figure 2. Bevel the edge on one end.

Step 3:  Drill to holes opposite each other at the end opposite of the beveled end.  A metal rod can be inserted through the holes to provide handles for pulling the core out of the ground.

Fig 3. Pound PVC pipe into the ground, using the metal bar as a handle to remove the core.

Step 4:  Pound the beveled edge of the PVC pipe into the areas to be sampled far enough to include the entire soil profile.

Step 5:  Pull the core out.  Pack any space in the cores tightly with newspaper to keep the core intact during shipment.  Securely tape both ends with duct tape.  Label the cores.  Pack cores securely for shipping.

Step 6:  Ship to:

Hummel & Co. Inc.
35 King Street
Trumansburg,NY 14886

Shipping Samples

The trip to Trumansburg NY can sometimes be rough, so make sure your samples are in securely sealed containers.  Make sure your containers are labeled.  Include some identification with the samples and testing instructions.  If we don't know where the samples came from or what you want, they may sit in sample purgatory until we hear from you.  Use the sample submittal form. To get the most thorough interpretation of the results, provide some background information.

International samples will require a permit to clear customs.  Include the USDA permit with the customs papers, and the USDA tag attached to the outside of the package.