Laboratory Activity No.

SOIL SAMPLE COLLECTION, HANDLING AND PREPARATION

Name: Malacapay, Ellazar B. Date Conducted: 12/ 01/2023

Lab. Section: BST 3D Date Submitted:
Lab. Instructor: Ma’am Ceres June Pedrosa Rating:

Results and Discussion:

The laboratory activity on soil sample collection, handling, and preparation allowed us to
understand the importance of proper techniques in obtaining soil samples for analysis. We
learned the factors to consider when selecting a sampling location, such as topography, and
land use which is not into irrigation as well the vegetation must be the same.
We also learned about the importance of properly handling and storing the soil samples
to prevent contamination or degradation. We clean the equipment and containers before we
use to avoid introducing external particles into the samples. We also learned about the different
methods of soil preparation, such as weighing of the soil and air drying to ensure that the
samples are in suitable condition for analysis.
Through the activity, we realized the importance of accurate soil sampling in obtaining
reliable results for the soil analysis. The quality of the samples collected and the proper
handling and preparation can greatly affect the accuracy and representativeness of the analysis.
Techniques of proper soil sampling are essential for providing valuable and reliable information
about the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties.
In conclusion, the laboratory activity on soil sample collection, handling, and preparation
sustained us the knowledge and skills necessary for obtaining high quality soil samples for
analysis. It solely emphasizes the importance of careful planning, proper techniques, and
attention to details in order to ensure accurate and valuable results in soil testing.
Questions:
The depth of soil sampling usually depends upon the crops to be grown. Why?
The depth od soil sampling depends on the crops to be grown because in every
variations of crop have different root system that extract nutrients and water from
different depths in the soil. An appropriate depth is needed in sampling a soil, farmers
can understand the nutrient availability and water holding capacity at various depths,
and therefore optimize their fertilization and irrigation practices for specific crops.

Why is it not allowed to dry the soil samples under the sun?
It is not recommended to dry soil samples under the sun because the sunlight and heat
can alter the chemical composition of the soil. The intense heat can cause evaporation
and lead to the loss of volatile nutrients, such as nitrogen. Additionally, the UV rays from
the sun can breakdown organic matter in the soil affecting its overall quality.

Why is there a need to assess the nutrient supplying capacity of the soil?
Assessing the nutrient supplying capacity of the soil is essential for determining its ability
to provide the necessary nutrients for plant growth. Different crops have varying
nutrient requirements, and a soil’s nutrient content can directly influence crop yield and
quality. By assessing the nutrient supplying capacity, farmers can determine if the soil
needs any additional fertilization or amendments to ensure optimal plant growth and
productivity.

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