Soil Sampling for Soil Quality

Before you can decide how you are going to soil sample you need to be clear about the purpose of your sampling. Different sampling approaches may be required depending on what you are sampling for, the soil type, the management unit (e.g. paddock), soil spatial variability (changes in soil type, dunes-swales etc), the accuracy required of the result, and the value given to the information provided. So before you start, define very clearly the question you are asking of your soil samples. Consult a professional soil scientist, agronomist or your analytical laboratory to be sure that your soil samples are taken at the right time, from the right depth, the right place, in the appropriate number, and are stored in such way that the analysis required is not compromised. If quantitative soil analyses (kg/ha) are required then soil bulk density must also be measured and this requires considerable care.

S.A. Soil Quality Program

The GRDC’s Soil Biology Initiative and the associated website www.soilquality.org.au provide the Australian grains industry with a unique resource on soil quality including soil biology, chemistry and physics.
The Soil Biology Initiative is a wide wide ranging program that involves research into new techniques and is benchmarking soil quality throughout grain growing Australia, while being a resource for information on a range of soil related issues. The program focuses heavily on stakeholder involvement with workshops and forums being held in every state.
The contacts for more information on the Soil Biology Initiative are listed on the fact sheet.

Queensland Soil Quality Program

The GRDC?s Soil Biology Initiative and the associated website www.soilquality.org.au provide the Australian grains industry with a unique resource on soil quality including soil biology, chemistry and physics.
The Soil Biology Initiative is a wide wide ranging program that involves research into new techniques and is benchmarking soil quality throughout grain growing Australia, while being a resource for information on a range of soil related issues. The program focuses heavily on stakeholder involvement with workshops and forums being held in every state.
The contacts for more information on the Soil Biology Initiative are listed on the fact sheet

W.A. Soil Quality Program

The GRDC’s Soil Biology Initiative and the associated website www.soilquality.org.au provide the Australian grains industry with a unique resource on soil quality including soil biology, chemistry and physics.
The Soil Biology Initiative is a wide wide ranging program that involves research into new techniques and is benchmarking soil quality throughout grain growing Australia, while being a resource for information on a range of soil related issues. The program focuses heavily on stakeholder involvement with workshops and forums being held in every state.
The contacts for more information on the Soil Biology Initiative are listed on the fact sheet.