Sampling soil from a Truffière

Using the proper method for sampling soil is crucial in order to get the best results from a soil test, so it is important for you to follow the method for collecting samples described here.

Above all else, the most important thing is consistency! Soil is highly variable - so much so that if you took separate samples from different parts of your Truffière, they would probably each give you a completely different result. For this reason, the aim is to get a "Representative Average" for the whole area by sampling soil from a number of places and mixing it together.

To begin with, consider the area you want to test and make sure it is one that has had a fairly consistent history and soil 'type'. For instance, a Truffière may be mostly on the slope of a hill, but also include a bit of river-flat at the bottom. The soil may be quite different in these two areas and so may need to be sampled separately.

If you are still preparing the area and have not yet planted any trees, then it is best to collect soil from random spots across the whole area, while following a zig-zag path.

When sampling soil from a Truffière after the trees have been planted, it is best to get it from just outside the Brûlé (or just beyond the area covered by the canopy of the tree if it is a new Truffière). In other words – take the sample from the area beneath the outermost branches.

The best time for sampling soil is at least 6 months before you need to be applying any Lime. This will allow plenty of time to deal with any questions you may have about the results and take care of the initial soil preparation and planting before planting.

Collecting the Sample

When actually collecting the soil it is important to use the right implement and sample to the right depth. Remember, you are looking for results that give a reasonable picture of the soil within the root zone of the plants.

For a Truffière, the proper depth to sample is from the surface down to 20cm.

The best tool to use for sampling soil is a stainless steel core sampler. If you do not have a suitable implement, try contacting your local Dept. of Agriculture or fertilizer supplier as they may have ones you can borrow. If you still need help, we also have a sample collection service. Do not use tools made from other metals as they can produce distorted results for Trace Elements like Iron, Copper or Zinc, etc.

You need to collect soil from 20 to 30 spots selected randomly from the area of the Truffière, mix the collected soil very thoroughly in a clean plastic bucket and take the sample out of this. The sample is best packed in a zip-lock plastic bag, labeled with a descriptive name for the area it represents (eg. Hillside Truffière, Home Paddock, Block 5). Care and consistency in this labeling will be especially important when repeating tests at a later date and trying to identify changes in particular areas.

Important: To complete all the required tests, the laboratory needs at least 500g of soil - please make sure you send enough soil and avoid delays caused by needing to repeat this process.

For more details about sampling soil, you can download a free Ebook.

Once you have collected the sample, it is important to send it off as quickly as possible since some important nutrient levels (especially Nitrogen and Sulfur) can change when soil is kept in a sealed container.

Wet Samples

It is no good collecting a sample if the soil is saturated, (that is, if water is dripping out when you squeeze it in your hand).

For more information about costs and where to send the sample, please contact us using the form below:

If you have other parts of the property that need testing, you can find information on sampling soil from other land uses here.

Also, if you would like to keep up with the latest developments in soil management, why not subscribe to our Free E-zine: