WHEN must samples be taken
Samples can be taken throughout the year. Avoid sampling wet soil with lumps as well as fine, dry or powdery soil.
WHERE must samples be taken?
Samples must be taken from the top 10-15 cm of soil for Soil Health Analyses.
HOW must samples be taken?
The size of the sample area (orchard/block/land) must be 3 hectares or smaller. A representative sample must consist of 10 – 20 thoroughly mixed sub-samples.
HOW MUCH soil must be included?
It is important that a sample must consist of at least 500g of soil for Soil Health analyses.
How must samples be TREATED?
The soil can be placed in a plastic bag and properly sealed and marked. A fully completed form must be attached to the OUTSIDE of the plastic bag. The form is available on the website under the heading FORMS. Please bear in mind that incomplete information can delay the process in the laboratory and the availability of the results. Each bag must be clearly marked on the OUTSIDE with a label corresponding with the sample numbers on the form. Information should never be placed inside the plastic bag.
Samples should be delivered to the lab as soon as possible and can be stored for short periods of time on cement or tile floors. Samples may under no circumstances be kept in the back of delivery vehicles or in the boot of a car.
Samples must be handled with care.
It is not necessary to moisten samples.