Soils are different in type, location and use. We should know about the type of soil in which we want to produce our crops.  This is even more necessary if the crop is for the export market.  The farmer needs to do soil sampling once every 3 or 4 years, if the land is being used. Taking and testing a soil sample will allow us to know:

1. The amount of available plant food in the soil
2. If the soil is acid neutral or alkaline
3. What crop/s can best be grown in that soil
4. Why the crop is not doing well
5. What fertilizer may be needed
6. If the soil needs liming.

When is the best time to take soil samples?

 
1. After site selection – at or before land preparation.

2. After harvesting.
3. When disease or insect pest attack is observed.
4. When the best fertilizer and the amount is not known.

What slope category is sampled?

The soil may be sampled on any slope category, whether a:

1. Flat piece of land
2. Gentle slope
3. Steep slope, and

4. Property of various slopes.

Depending on the slope, sample(s) can be taken according to the slope, among other reasons. It is expected that different slopes vary in the extent of soil erosion and nutrient levels.

From what size plot of soil is sample taken?

A farmer, gardener or student may want to sample

1. A flowerpot, around a tree
2. A seedbed of seed box
3. An acre/ a hectare
4. Any size of land above an acre or a hectare

At what depth of the soil should the sample be taken?

The roots of crops vary greatly in size and length as they move through the soil; however, sampling is usually concentrated at the first 30 cm or 12 inches.  This is the section of the soil where the fertilizer is placed and where most plants feed.

The slope of the land influences how the samples are to be taken.  Usually, the sample is taken in a zigzag pattern - to avoid bias - rather than a straight path.  It is unwise to take a sample from a single spot on the land. Figure 1 shows where sometimes 3 or 4 auger borings of soil is taken to make up no less than ½ kg sample of soil.

Figure 1. Shows pattern of soil sampling plot on a large area.

At such point (A - e) some soil is taken to make up for a sample.  It must be labelled for example:

1. Name of Farmer: Mr.  Ferty Manure
2. Name of Sample Site: Acidic Valley
3. Sample Number   # 1
4. Depth of soil sampled :0 -15 cm
5. Date of Sampling:  June 6, 2006

What tool is used in sampling?

Any digging tool is good for taking soil samples.  The cutlass or machete, a hoe, or a garden fork or the mason’s trowel can be used. But a soil auger is the best tool since a specific amount of soil sample can be taken at a certain depth. The complete sample is to be placed into a new plastic bag and labelled.

Where are the soil samples tested?

Soil Laboratory
Rural Physical Planning Division
191 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
Tel. 927 – 0441, Fax 977 - 0326

How long does the sample take to be tested and reported on?

Soil testing by the Laboratory may take 3 to 6 weeks.  This is dependent on the workload as well as the availability of chemicals to do specific analyses.

Fertilizers and other crop recommendations are also provided.

How much does it cost?
A subsidized charge is made for analyzing the samples whether the farmer or an officer from the Laboratory takes the samples. Click here to see the price list.

Click here to see the price list.

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