Where to Take Soil Samples

The soil sample should be representative of the entire food plot by preparing a composite sample. If the sample does not properly represent the plot, the lime and fertilizer recommendations will be misleading. This can be done by collecting small cores of soil from five locations in the plot, and then combining them into one composite sample.  If your potential wildlife food plot has noticeable areas differing in fertility, divide the plot into two or three parts and prepare a separate sample from each. Most wildlife food plots are small (1 to 3 acres in size) and require only one composite sample. If additional soil samples are needed, use a plastic Ziplock bag.

How to Take Soil Samples

If available, use a soil probe to pull soil samples. However, if a probe is not available, a garden trowel or a small spade also can be utilized.  Sample to the depth of tillage, usually 5 to 7 inches. Remove all grass, other materials and debris from the soil sample. Mix together all five samples from throughout the food plot to form the composite sample. Enclose the indicated amount of the composite sample in the soil sample bag for mailing to the laboratory for analysis.

Sample Preparation for Mailing

1. Construct and fold Wildlife Food Plot Mailer.

2. Label the soil samples with your name and identify the sample.

3. Insert soil sample bag(s) into mailer.

4. Fully complete the Wildlife Food Plot Information Sheet.