Keep in mind before you start

• Regular tests build a better profile
• Sample different soil types separately
• Avoid unusual areas, stock camps, fertiliser dump sites, dam sites, gates, troughs, trees
• Avoid fence lines (old and new), sheds and roadways
• Sample varying topography (Hills and flats) separately
• Avoid poorly drained areas and wet conditions
• Avoid headlands
• Ensure different fertiliser and rotation histories are sampled separately
• Avoid dung and urine patches in pastures
• Sample High and low yielding areas separately
• Don’t sample paddocks that have had ameliorants (lime) or fertiliser applied in the past 2-3 months

Taking the sample

1. Review your required tests. If guidance is required consult Eurofins APAL or your local agronomist
2. Determine an appropriate sampling plan, ensuring a representative sample is obtained and keeping in mind the above points
3. Ensure all your equipment is clean
4. Remove debris and plant material from the soil surface
5. Take the required number or cores utilising a transect or zigzag sampling plan
6. Pool your cores in a clean plastic bucket, breaking the soil into small crumbs
7. Mix the sample thoroughly in the bucket
8. Place your representative sample into Eurofins APAL’s soil test bags and fill to the required line. Place no more than 200-300g if using your own bags
9. Ensure your equipment and bucket is clean before moving onto your next sample
10. If using a shovel ensure the sample is consistent down to the required depth (e.g. take a slice down the side not a V sample)
11. If excess sample is collected ensure the sample is well mixed before sub-sampling, try to reduce the sample to around 200-300 gms to avoid excessive postage charges

More information about taking a soil sample is available in Fertcare’s Soil Sampling Guidelines

Sending the sample to the lab

1. Ensure Eurofins APAL's sample bags are filled to the desired line. If using other bags please ensure there is 200-300 gms of soil
2. Ensure you have the correct submission form and the details are filled out correctly with postcode, test code, sample name, crop and sampling depth. If any extra tests are required please mark with a cross or note the code in other tests.

Deliver to: