SAMPLING
: Dependable results require careful sampling.
Soil analysis is a tool for the follow-up the chemical fertility of your parcel. It should be done every 4 or 5 years, at the same place (localization is essential) and, whenever possible, at the same stage of developement of an identical crop.
Soil variability in the field is a major source of error in soil testing. Some easy-to-follow rules will leave you with a representative sample of your field.
When ? :
wait 2 months after input of a fertilizer, 4 months after input of organic matter or calcic soil improvement.
For a Life&Fertility package, it is advisable to choose spring or autumn seasons (avoid cold temperature and period of hydric stress).
Each sample should represent a specific type of soil (clayey soil, sand,...). Do not mix. Part of a field that differ in soil texture should be sampled separately.
Avoid sampling in unsual places (areas adjacent to roads, old hedges, pond, cattle passageway, or where manure have been piled,...).
Sampling depth :
cultivated field (crop or grassland) : on the whole ploughed depth
premanent meadow : 0-10 cm, avoiding surface remains.
For vineyard and orchards, sampling should be done for two different depths :
0-20 cm (ploughed soil)
20-50 cm (homogenous horizon).
If you have good and bad areas, sample each for comparison
Obtain the sample by mixing in a bucket 15 or more random cores of soil representative of the area. Samples (500g -1 kg) should then be placed in a bag ( available on request).
PACKAGING
Weight of sample (for fertility analysis) : 500 g.
Weight of sample (for trace elements, organic micropollutants) : 1 Kg at least.
Sampling protocols, containers and information datasheets are available on request.
Life and Fertility package : in isothermal shipping boxes, with ice substitute included (available on request).
Sample should be shipped (" urgent mail") beginning of the week (wednesday at the latest).
