-2- 



lifhen to Sample 



Soil samples may be taken any tiiue the soil isn't frozen. The results of 

 soil samples taken after harvest, hov/ever, are useful for determining the amount 

 of lime to apply in late fall or winter months, the usual time lime is applied, 



Method of Taking Soil Samples 



1, If there are two or more distinct soil types vd-thin the orchard block 

 being sampled, each should be sampled separately. The same is true if portions 

 of the block have received different lime and fertilizer treatments, 



2, Sample each soil type as follovTS; 



a. Scrape away the mulch and grass from the area to be sampled under the 

 drlpline of the tree, 



b. Take the soil sample with an augur to the full depth of the surface 

 soil as shown by the change in color, 



c. In place of an augur, a spade may be used. Care should be taken to 

 take a slice of uniform thickness, top to bottom. First expose the 

 surface soil to its full depth, then cut off a slice about an inch 

 thick. Break or cut the side of the slice to produce a column one 

 inch thick and about t\ro inches wide and as deep as the surface 

 soil depth, 



d. Take one boring or soil slice beneath the dripline of each 10th - 

 15th tree in a block. After obtaining five such borings or soil 

 slices, place them in a clean container such as a pail and mix 

 throughly. From this composite sample remove about 1 cupful of 

 soil for the test. If the soil is wet and soggy, place on wax paper 

 and air dry. Place the composite soil sample in a clean container 

 such as an ice cream container or a tobacco can, 



e. Repeat process described in 2-d until the v^hole orchard block has 

 been sampled, 



f . Label each container with date, ovmer of farm and orchard name or 

 number* 



g. In many instances a subsoil sample should be taken. To do this en- 

 large the hole from which surface soil sample was taken and bore or 

 dig into the subsoil. The sampling procedure is the same as that 

 for the surface soil, 



3, Acidification caused by sulfur spraying or dust is greatest under the trees, 

 Therefore, the need for lime is greatest in this area. In order to evaluate the 

 Ime application procedure, sample the soil vd.thin three to four feet of the trunk. 

 One composite sample obtained as described in 2-d should be sufficient. 



