How to take soil samples

The 75th Sustainability Salon will feature XRF soil testing, as I described in a previous post.  It seems like a good time to review good practices for taking soil samples. Jon Burgess, who is leading the urban soils project, provided this diagram and the written instructions below.

How to Take a Soil Test

Tools Needed: gloves, shovel, bucket, plastic sandwich or freezer bag

*Wear gloves when taking a soil sample to protect against potential contamination.

Step 1: Identify one area of interest at a time (yard, garden bed, playground, etc.). This area should not exceed 100 square feet (10’ by 10’). If it is larger, split it into separate areas.

Step 2: Use shovel to collect 3-5 small scoops from different spots in that area. If the soil is wet, lay it on a piece of paper in the sun to dry out

Step 3: Mix those 3-5 scoops together in a bucket.

Step 4: Remove any large debris like large rocks, leaves, grasses, or trash.

Step 5: Transfer 1 cup of the mixed soil into a clear plastic bag that is labeled so you know where it came from.

Step 6: Repeat steps 2-5 with other areas of interest for soil sampling like a different garden bed or area of the yard.

Step 7: Bring sample(s) to the Allegheny County Conservation District’s free soil screening events. Our event schedule can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pg/accdpa/events/ or by calling (412) 291-8017.

 Grow Pittsburgh has a very detailed tutorial, including where to send samples for a conventional test and some other informational links,  on their web site here.