• Equipment should be such that sampling depth can be monitored and controlled. A stainless steel sampling probe works the best.
• Composite samples should be collected in a plastic bucket for thorough mixing. Metal buckets can contain traces of some micronutrients (particularly zinc), which can contaminate samples.
• Soil sample bags should be either plastic or plastic-lined. These can be supplied by AgSource Harris Laboratory.

• Determine which areas are to be sampled. Note for future reference, this is particularly important for fairways. It is best not to mix sub-samples from different greens or fairways; sample separately.
• Each sample should consist of a composite of many sub-samples. About 10 to 15 sub-samples are needed to supply the laboratory with enough soil for a nutrient analysis. The volume of soil needed is roughly one cup (or approximately one pound).
• Most important, "Keep sampling depth consistent." Golf greens should be sampled to a depth of three inches. For other turf samples, three to four inches is adequate.
• It is advisable to include the thatch layer in your sample, since it is a biological active site. Keep in mind that this residue may contain fertilizer granules not yet dissolved or other materials that will effect the nutrient levels. Therefore, wait a minimum of two weeks after an application to collect soil samples.
• Avoid any unusual areas in your routine sampling. These should be analyzed separately. An example would be poorly drained areas.
• Clearly mark the sample identification (example: GRN#1) on each bag and laboratory input sheet.

• Laboratory input sheets will be provided to you by AgSource Harris Laboratory. Please be sure all essential information is completed.

• Samples Submitted By: This will be preprinted by the laboratory that contains your unique account number and specifically identifies your company.
• Submitted For: The name and address needs to be completed for the golf course being tested.
• Turf Type: This is expressed in broad categories: Greens, Fairways, Tee Boxes and General Turf.
• Be sure the sample identification on the laboratory input sheet matches up with what is labeled on the soil-sample bag(s).
• Specify the desired analytical tests package to be performed.
• If other tests are requested (such as pesticide residues), please specify.
• Pack samples very tightly in a strong shipping box(s). Use packing material so the bag(s) will not shift in the box. Tape the box completely and affix a preprinted shipping label.
• If possible, collect and ship samples the same day.

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Analysis included in the AgSource Harris Laboratory Irrigation Suitability test package includes:

Water pH, Hardness, Bicarbonate, Carbonate, Electrical Conductivity (Ecw), Total Dissolved Solids, Sodium, Chloride, Boron, Sodium Absorption Ratio, Nitrate, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Sulfate, Manganese, Iron.

• A clean plastic container should be used. Rinse the bottle (including the lid) several times with the water to be tested. If desired, the laboratory will supply sampling kits, including clean plastic bottles.
• To reflect what the water quality is at the time of application, collect sample from the pumping station or within the irrigation system.
• If a system of irrigation wells (ground water) are being used, sample each well separately. This will qualify the water specifically from each well. (This is important if pumping into a holding pond.)
• When collecting sample from the irrigation system, let water run for two to three minutes before collecting the sample. (This will purge static water from the system.)
• When sampling from a pond, collect water from the pumping station. If possible, DO NOT collect the water from the side of the irrigation pond, sediment will act as a contaminant.
• Fill bottle and eliminate all head space. Be sure lid is tight so that samples do not leak out during transit. Laboratory needs at least 100 ml (about 6 ounces) of water.
• If using glass, be sure to use adequate packaging.
• If possible, collect and ship sample/samples the same day.
• Be sure bottles are clearly identified and necessary paperwork is completed before shipping.
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• Plant part to sample: Leaf Blade
  
  
  Most turf samples are collected from mower clippings. Keep in mind that soil and fertilizer material can also be picked up by the mower and contaminating the sample. For best results wait at least 2 weeks (if possible) from the last top dress application (fertilizer, fungicide or sand top dress).
  
  
• Samples should be collected on actively growing turf. Do not sample drought or severely diseased areas.
• If growth patterns (yellow to lighter green color) are apparent, sample separately from "normal" growing areas.
• Collect approximately one cup of fresh clippings.
• Because of the moist nature of turf clippings, molding and degradation is a concern, samples should be shipped in paper or cloth bags and loosely packed in the shipping box. If possible let samples dry over night to remove excess moisture. DO NOT ship in plastic containers.
• Complete laboratory paper work including: client name, turf type, sample identification and any special problems.
• Ship samples to laboratory as soon as possible. If over night drying is not possible, samples should be shipped by express delivery.
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