Collection and preparation of soil, water and plant samples for analysis

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture aims to develop food and fiber production systems that benefit farmers and society both economically and environmentally. A key step toward that goal is helping farmers simultaneously use and improve the fundamental resources they have on their farms, such as air, water, soil, sunlight, labor, and capital. The more “tools”; farmers have for achieving that goal, the better they'll be able to meet their own and society's needs. Scientific approaches to crop nutrient management are based on data obtained by analyzing soil and plant tissue samples. Careful sampling techniques will ensure a representative sample. Precise analytical methods will ensure reliable data. However, the most carefully collected sample and the most precise analytical techniques will not ensure appropriate interpretation of the data. Proper, timely soil testing and plant analysis can be very valuable tools, provided they are coupled with fertilizer recommendations based on realistic yield goals, appropriate credits for organic sources of plant nutrients, and field‐proven crop response trials.