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When to Sample 



Soil samples may be taken any time when the soil is not frozen. The 

 results of soil samples taken after harvest, however, are useful for deter- 

 mining the amount of lime to apply in late fall or winter, the usual time 

 1 ime is appi led. 



Method of Taking Soil Samples 



1. If there are two or more distinct soil types within 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 treat- 

 ments. 



2. Sample each soil type as follows: 



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

 the trees. Sample about half way between the trunk and the dripline 

 where the soil is apt to be most acid because of fertilization. 



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

 soil as shown by the change of color. 



c. In place of an auger, 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 two inches wide and as deep as the surface soil 

 depth. 



d. Take one boring or soil slice under each 10th to 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 thoroughly. From this 

 composite sample remove about 1 cup of soil for the test. If the 

 soil is wet and soggy, place it on wax paper and let it air dry. 

 Place the composite soil sample in a clean container (such as an ice 

 cream container) or a plastic bag. 



e. Repeat the process described in 2.d. until the whole orchard block 

 has been sampled. 



f. Label each container with the date, owner of farm, and orchard name 

 or number. 



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

 enlarge the hole from which the surface soil sample was taken and 

 bore or dig into the subsoil. The sampling procedure is the same as 

 that for the surface soi 1 . 



h. Send the samples, along with $5 per sample, to the Soil Testing 

 Laboratory, Suburban Experiment Station, 2^0 Beaver Street, Waltham, 

 MA 02254. 



