
Sample Collection and Soil Profiling
Did you know that the sampling process itself can be the greatest source of error in a soil testing effort?
We can help you with collecting representative samples and evaluating the profile of your soil.
For instance, we can help you design and apply a sampling protocol covering your grow area and at different depths.
The first visit is complimentary. An unlimited number of samples per visit.
Within 50km of our downtown location in Whitehorse |
$65 per visit |
|
Beyond 50 km of our downtown location in Whitehorse (click here for details) |
scheduled as part of a visit to a local community market |
$65 per visit |
not scheduled as part of a visit to a local community market |
$65 per visit + $0.61/km |
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Alternatively, you can provide sample(s) in a Ziploc or other air-tight container. Drop your sample(s) Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm at our downtown location in Whitehorse at Northlight Innovation Hub. Give us a call or send an SMS at 867-689-8490 ahead of time to arrange drop-off. We will come outside to meet you in the parking lot. Do not come inside the building. You can also choose to mail it (see Contact for details).
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Taking a sample
First thing to consider is the objective, i.e. what do you plan to grow? This will dictate whether you should take samples at a single depth or not, and how deep. For instance:
First depth (in) |
Second depth (in) |
|
Berries | 0-6 | no need |
Lettuce, melons, grass | 0-6 | 6-12 |
Potatoes, corn, pumpkins | 0-6 | 6-24 |
Hay grasses (e.g. brome, fesuce, pasture), alfalfa | 0-12 | 12-24 |
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Second thing to consider is representativity, i.e. how homogeneous are the conditions? This will dictate how many samples you should get analyzed. For each area that is relatively homogeneous, a composite sample can be made from which you will extract 1-2 cups to be analysed. For instance you could scoop a trowel-full of dirt from 6-10 random locations across the homogeneous area and mix that into a pail from which the 1-2 cups representative sample would be extracted. This should be repeated for each area that is relatively homogeneous.
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The following are examples of sample collection protocols developed for agriculture and adaptable to gardening and soil reclamation projects:
Cornell U., 2020. Soil Sampling Protocol. Soil Heatlh Assessment - Part II.Government of Alberta, 2020. Soil Sampling. Chapter 3.3. pp. 87-97.
Purdue University, 2018. Soil Sampling Guidelines. 6 p.
USDA, 2020. Sampling Soils for Nutirent Management: Helping People Help the Land. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Services. 2 p.
Your order will be shipped the same, or next, business day. During sale events and holidays, there may be a slightly longer duration