Sample preparation and submission
• Using permanent ink, label NCDA&CS soil
sample boxes completely, and fill with soil to
the red line.
• The Agronomic Division prefers Soil Sample
Information to be submitted electronically.
To do so, go to www.ncaar.aov/aaronomi/
PALS, and choose Submit Sample Information
from the PALS Utilities menu. Specify
Predictive for Submission Type if you want
routine fertilizer and lime recommendations
and Diagnostic if you want help identifying a
suspected nutritional problem. If the peak-
season fee is in effect, you will be prompted
to pay with a credit card. If you choose to
submit handwritten information instead,
please use permanent ink or pencil and
provide a crop code.
• Do not tape soil sample boxes or put soil in
plastic bags. Include a copy of the sample
information form in the shipper. Detailed
packaging instructions are available at www.
ncaar.aov/aaronomi/pdffiles/packsoil.pdf.
• For problem diagnosis, write PROBLEM
SAMPLES prominently on the outside of the
package to ensure priority treatment. If the
package contains other agronomic samples
(plant tissue, soil for nematode assay) in
addition to soil, then address the package
to the attention of the PWSM or Nematode
Assay Section, not the Soil Testing Section.
The soil test report
Soil reports are available online. Visit the
Agronomic Division home page, and click the
link labelled Find Your Report (PALS) located
in the left-column navigation bar.
North Carolina
Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services
Steve Troxler, Commissioner of Agriculture
Agronomic Division
Colleen M. Hudak-Wise, Ph.D., Director
Soil Testing Section
David H. Hardy, Ph.D., Agronomist
www.ncaqr.qov/aqronomi/
(919) 733-2655
Mailing Address
1 040 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1040
Physical Address [DHL, FedEx, UPS]
4300 Reedy Creek Road
Raleigh NC 27607-6465
For more information on
sampling , interpreting agronomic reports or
implementing recommendations,
contact the regional agronomist
assigned to your county.
www.ncaar.aov/aaronomi/rahome.htm
Agronomic Sampling
Folder No. 2
revised April 2014
Soil Sampling Large Areas:
Agricultural Crops,
Pastures, Parks or
Athletic Turf
The goal of soil sampling a large area is to collect
a sample that provides good representation for
the entire area. These guidelines may help.
Before sampling a large area, it is a good
idea to make a detailed map. Copies of aerial
photographs from soil surveys may be helpful.
Divide the map into individual sample areas
of 20 acres or less. Each unique area should
ideally have similar soil type, planting history
and management history.
Assign a short, permanent sample identifier
to each unique area using appropriate FARM ID
and SAMPLE ID designations that will help you
remember the location. Keep in mind that the
SAMPLE ID space on the soil box is limited to
five characters.
Always use clean, stainless-steel sampling
equipment and a clean, plastic bucket. Brass,
bronze or galvanized tools contaminate the
sample with copper and/or zinc. If the sample¬
mixing bucket has been used for fertilizer or
other chemicals, wash it thoroughly before use.
Timing of sampling
Whenever possible, sample three to six
months before planting. For field crops,
submitting soil samples right after harvest
provides plenty of time to plan a liming and
fertilization program before the busy growing
season. In September and October, the
laboratory workload is relatively light, results
can be returned within about two weeks, and
there is no soil test fee.
