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SOIL AND WATER
SAMPLE METHODS
SOIL SAMPLES FROM THE LANDSCAPE AREA
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- Take the soil sample from the area of the soil where the roots of the plant will be growing. In the case of gardens, lawns, and trees, this will be to a depth of 12". If this is not possible, then sample at least a 6" depth.
- Take several random samples from the area you are testing. If it is a GARDEN AREA: You should take about six samples scattered over the garden area. These are then all mixed together to form a combined sample. The final sample is then taken from this mix. LAWN AREA: You should take several samples from all parts of the front and back yard and then mix them together as recommended for gardens. WOODY PLANTS: Because the root system on a tree can extend out to twice or more the distance of the spread of the branches, take your lawn samples from the drip line area or slightly beyond and then mix these to get the final sample.
- If you have a problem area in your yard or garden where you think there might be a different type of soil or a fertilizer problem, you might want to have more than one sample tested. Remember, it will cost you for each soil sample that is tested, and unless you have a problem area or are going to be fertilizing different areas with different rates of fertilizer, an overall sample of an area is all that is usually needed.
- The soil-testing lab will need about one pint of air-dried soil. If the soil is moist, the nitrogen level of the soil can change from the time you take it from the yard until it is tested. Air-dry the sample if it is moist. DON'T dry it in the oven. After drying, place the sample in a plastic resealable bag or a regular soil sample bag that can be obtained from the soil testing lab or your local Cooperative Extension Office.
- Make sure you list the types of plants that you are planning on growing in the soil on the soil sample information sheet. (I.e., vegetables, shrubs, lawn, etc.) We need this information so we can make the proper fertilizer recommendation. We waste valuable time trying to contact you to find out what you will be growing if this is not put on the information sheet.
- Avoid taking the soil sample with old rusty tools and make sure you place the sample in a non-metal container.
- THE SOIL TESTING LAB CANNOT TEST FOR PESTICIDE CONTAMINATION, WHICH MIGHT BE IN THE SOIL. YOU WILL HAVE TO CONTACT AN INDEPENDENT LAB TO HAVE THESE TESTS DONE. Colorado State University does have a plant disease diagnostic clinic. It is open from about April to September.
- The soil test will take from two to three weeks or more depending on the time of year. You will receive the soil test report and a bill from the lab. An interpretation of the results is available by the local Cooperative Extension agent.
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SUBMITTING WATER SAMPLES
FOR ANALYSIS
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Obtaining a representative water sample is a first step towards determining water quality.
Water samples should be placed in plastic containers that can be sealed tightly with plastic caps.
Sample containers should be at least four fluid ounces.
A four-ounce sample is enough to do major cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K), major anions (CO3, HO3, CI, SO4, NO3), pH and electrical conductivity.
If additional testing were required, more samples would be necessary.
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Bottles should be rinsed with water prior to taking the sample.
If soap is used to clean containers, the bottle should be rinsed thoroughly prior to sampling - detergent can contain some phosphorous and other minerals that may contaminate the water sample.
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When obtaining samples, there are generally two points at which samples may be taken. The first point is at the primary source such as a well head, spring, or lake prior to entering the household plumbing system or undergoing any on-site treatment.
The second point is at the site of consumption such as the kitchen water faucet where the water has passed through the household plumbing. Samples from the secondary site within the household may be influenced by the effect the plumbing has on water quality.
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To sample the primary water source, allow water to flow about five minutes from a faucet on the main line, if available, or as near the water source as possible. The five-minute purging process will help remove any sediment that may have settled into the well casing or pipes and allow the sampling of fresh ground or surface water.
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The container and lid should be rinsed three times with the water being sampled. With the water flowing, the container should be filled to the top with as little air as possible in the container. Seal the container, label it with a waterproof marker, and place the sample in the refrigerator. To sample water at the point of consumption, it is desirable to obtain the sample first thing in the morning, prior to using any water elsewhere in the house. The sample should be taken from a cold-water faucet furthest away from where the water enters the house. Do not allow any water to flow prior to taking the sample. Obtain the sample in a clean container, completely filling the container with sample water. Water that has stood in pipes all night will generally have the potential to contain higher levels of heavy metals such as lead, especially if lead solder or lead pipes were used in the household plumbing.
Place the sample in the refrigerator until it can be taken or sent to a laboratory. Do not freeze water samples.
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Labels on the sample should include name, address, phone number, and location. An information sheet with the name, address, and type of test desired should accompany the sample. Samples should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible, since some tests have to be done immediately (such as pH) or within 24 hours (such as alkalinity) to be accurate.
A correctly taken water sample will help ensure accurate results.
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BACTERIOLOGICAL SAMPLES
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Take samples from the primary water source, allowing water to flow about five minutes from a faucet on the main line, if available, or as near the water source as possible. The five-minute purging process will help remove any sediment that may have settled into the well casing or pipes and allow the sampling of fresh ground or surface water.
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Collection bottles are available from your local Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Office or local Department of Health. Containers have a chemical that aids in the biological tests, so do not rinse out the container.
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Because of shipping delays, always mail the container on Monday or Tuesday. Hand delivering is also acceptable. Labels on the sample should include name, address, phone number, and location. An information sheet with the name, address, and type of test desired should accompany the sample.
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Prepared by Bill Ekstrom, CSU Extension Agent
Bill Ekstrom, Extension Agent (Agriculture and 4-H/Youth)
bekstrom@coop.ext.colostate.edu
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Back to Rio Blanco County Extension Main Page
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Colorado State University, U.S. Department or Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating. Cooperative Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. No endorsement or products named is intended nor is criticism implied or products not mentioned.
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