Soil Samples

[lakngulf]

I have always obtained soil sample boxes from my local Extension office.
But it seems to me with zip lock, PO one price boxes, etc that I could just collect the soil in a zip lock, fill out form and send.
Has anyone sent samples recently?

 

[EddieWalker]

Last time I did it they gave me a container that reminded me of a milk carton that was designed for mailing dirt. Never tried or thought of doing it any other way.

 

[Spindifferent]

The process is likely very dependent on the lab to which you are sending samples. Best to check with the soil testing lab directly to find out what is acceptable to them.

 

[Streetcar]

The process is likely very dependent on the lab to which you are sending samples. Best to check with the soil testing lab directly to find out what is acceptable to them.

Perfect response.different labs have different requirements

 

[Beeenvenue]

Sent 8 off to Texas A&M last October. Each in a separate gallon ziplock, individually numbered but all in the same relatively small box for shipping. Worked great.

How you sample makes a huge difference, so be sure to read up on depth and total area (A&M suggested multiple grabs in the general area, combined and stirred in a single bucket, then extract a much smaller sample from the bucket).

 

[RalphVa]

I have always obtained soil sample boxes from my local Extension office.
But it seems to me with zip lock, PO one price boxes, etc that I could just collect the soil in a zip lock, fill out form and send.
Has anyone sent samples recently?

Haven't heard of anyone doing this to our Va Tech lab. Our local Southern States used to take soil samples in plastic bags. Not sure they still do. They use another lab.

Ralph