L3 Soil Science Soil Sampling Procedures hlayiso.com

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (VOCATIONAL) PRIMARY AGRICULTURE SUBJECT: SOIL SCIENCE LEVEL: 3 LECTURER: MOKHEHLE TK TOPIC. SOIL SAMPLING PROCEDURES. SUBJECT OUTCOME: FROM SOIL ANALYSIS RESULTS, CALCULATE FERTILIZER REQUIREMENTS TO INFLUENCE HARVEST. LEARNING OUTCOME: COLLECT SAMPLES FROM THE FIELD FOLLOWING SET PROCEDURES. Downloaded from hlayiso.com 1

SOIL SAMPLING (INTRODUCTION) What is soil sampling? How do we take a sample?  Process of collecting representative samples  Sample fields individually of soil from different areas of the field.  Choose random locations in each field  Take uniform-sized sample from each location  Remove surface OM and plants Why do we sample our soil?  Sample 15-30 cm, depending on soil and field  Provide a representative sample of the fertility  Mix samples - Composite sample within the field.  Identify field variability Where NOT to collect our samples from?  Non-representative locations  Around trees  Field edges  Near manure or compost piles  Around standing water Downloaded from hlayiso.com 2

SOIL SAMPLING AND TESTING. (COMPARISON) Soil sampling Soil testing Soil sample must be true representative of the field or the Soil testing is an acceptably accurate and rapid soil part of the field being tested. chemical analysis for assessing available nutrient status for making fertilizer recommendations. o Soil sampling o Extraction/ analysis of available nutrients by an o Preparation of soil sample appropriate laboratory method o Interpretation of soil analysis data Downloaded from hlayiso.com 3

SAMPLING EQUIPMENT  Shovel,  Spade,  Khurpi (A short handled tool used for digging soil or weeding in small gardens),  Augers,  Bucket, etc.  Use clean tools  Sample from the proper depth and location  Place samples in clean bucket for mixing Downloaded from hlayiso.com 4

SAMPLING METHODOLOGIES (COLLECTION METHODS) Random Sampling Topography Sampling Grid Sampling  Addresses variation in  Random locations. field topography or features.  Good for observing variation in landscape.  Easy way to get a representative sample.  Does not take into consideration topography. Downloaded from hlayiso.com 5

SAMPLING METHODOLOGIES (COLLECTION METHODS) Composite Samples Random and Grid Sampling  Consolidate and mix soil samples in equal parts  Take representative sample of composite for lab Topography Sampling  Consolidate samples from each specific area  Take representative samples of composite for lab Downloaded from hlayiso.com 6

SAMPLING METHODOLOGIES (COLLECTION METHODS) CONTINUES.. Variations in Fields – e.g., OM and pH Downloaded from hlayiso.com 7

RECAP/SUMMARY WHAT HAVE WE LEARNT?.. WE HAVE LEARNT…  Why do we sample our soil  How do we take a sample  Where NOT to collect our samples from  Sampling methodologies OR Collection Methods and  Composite Samples and variations of soil in the field. PLEASE ANSWER UPLOADED ACTIVITY 4 IN YOUR WHATSAPP GROUP. STAY SAFE BY STAYING INDOORS DURING LOCKDOWN STAGE 4 USE THIS TIME TO STUDY REGULARLY… THANK YOU. Downloaded from hlayiso.com 8