Person collecting a soil sample in a no-till field using a soil probe, with a sample bucket nearby.
Updated: September 17, 2026

Soil Sampling Procedures for Nutrient Management

For Producer Use

1. Define the management units

A management area is an area that can and will be managed separately from any other. If different field areas have different soil types, past cropping histories, or different production potentials, these areas should be sampled separately and managed separately (See Figure 1). If it is impossible for a farmer to manage different areas separately, they should be treated as one management unit.

Field map showing six management units separated by differences in soil boundaries, slope position, and an old fence line. Areas include eroded slopes, gentle slopes, and distinct soil zones.
Figure 1: There are ideally 6 different management units in this field because of differences in landscape position and past management.

2. Sample the management units.

 Each unit should be sampled separately. Follow these steps for each management unit.

  • Collect 15 to 20 samples in a clean plastic bucket.
  • Take samples from throughout the entire area of the unit.
  • Follow a sampling pattern similar to that in Figure 2.
  • Avoid sampling unusual areas such as windbreaks, old fence lines, wet areas or areas near lime rock roads.
  • Scrape away any surface residues.
  • Sample to the correct depth (See Figure 3).
    • 2 inches for monitoring pH on no till cropland and pasture
    • 8 inches for fertility samples on cropland and pasture
    • 12 inches for PSNT 
Management unit showing 17 soil sampling locations distributed throughout the entire area to obtain a representative sample.
Figure 2: Sample from the entire area of the management unit.
Diagram showing recommended soil sampling depths: 2 inches for no-till and pasture pH monitoring, 8 inches for fertility samples, and 12 inches for PSNT samples.
Figure 3: Sample to the correct depth.

3. Mix the sample.

  • Thorough mixing is essential.
  • If the sample is hard or strongly aggregated, break up the soil aggregates.
  • Transfer the soil to a bucket. Mix the soil in the bucket at least 50 times. Spread the sample out.
  • Take 5 scoops of soil from different parts of the sample to provide a total soil volume of approximately 1 pint.
  • Place the soil into the soil sample bag.
Flowchart showing soil sample preparation: break up clods, mix thoroughly, then place 1 pint of soil in a sample bag.
Figure 4: Thorough mixing is essential.

4. Drying the sample.

  • Spread the sample out in a warm place overnight to air dry it.
  • DO NOT HEAT the soil. 

5. Label the soil sample bag and place air-dried soil into it.

6. Fill out the information sheet as completely and accurately as possible.

 

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