Soil Sampling Protocol for Crops
This Soil Sampling Protocol for Crops helps growers collect consistent soil samples for testing. Fill it in by hand and keep it with your farm records for later seasons.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideCrops & AgronomyFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Divide fields into sampling zones
- Choose tools and clean buckets
- Mark GPS or map sample points
- Sample to the depth your lab recommends
- Collect several cores per zone and mix
- Label bags with field and zone
- Send to the lab with the right form
- Record sampling date and conditions
How to use this guide
Walk a new hand through the steps once, then let them use the page on their own. Add your own notes as you learn what works.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA NRCS.
For more in this area, see the row crop calendar. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including From Soil to Success: How Texas Tech’s Dirt Experts Are Cultivating the Future, and farming farm stories.