Collecting Your Field Sample
When taking a sample from the field, you will want to have an apple corer, plastic bag, and a permanent marker available.
Take 3 core-samples from within the first 3 inches under the organic matter.
Sample halfway between the stem and the drip line (see image below).
Place the three core samples together in the bag. Identify the sample on the outside of the bag with a permanent marker, and include the date.
To prevent sample contamination, do not introduce a paper label to the inside of the bag.
To prevent sample contamination, do not introduce a paper label to the inside of the bag.