WSDA Soil Sampling Equipment and Supply List

Soil Sampling Checklist

Recording and Reference Supplies

  • Clipboard
  • WSDA SOP
  • Soiltest chain of custody
  • Pre-printed labels (5 per site)
  • Paper field forms as backup if ArcGIS Field Maps isn’t working
  • Pens/permanent markers
  • Packing tape

Read the Soil Sampling Checklist (PDF)

Sampling Supplies

  • 4-gallon plastic buckets for collecting and compositing soil cores
  • Plastic buckets for carrying bulk density (BD) supplies and samples
  • Gallon size zip top bags
  • Soiltest bags
  • 15 mL falcon tubes
  • Gloves, non-powdered, disposable

Field Tools

  • Paring knife for slicing between BD rings

  • Universal slip wrench or adjustable wrenches for tightening/loosening equipment

  • Ejection spoons, butter knives, or screwdrivers to remove soil from probes

Sampling Equipment

  • Step probe (sample 12” deep by 7/8” wide)

  • Soil probe (sample 12” deep by 7/8” wide)

  • Slide hammers (for soil probe and bulk density)

  • 2’ extension soil probe extension (optional)

  • 1” plated heavy duty replaceable tip

  • 2” diameter by 6” length BD soil core sampler

  • 2” diameter BD metal liners (5 per site)

  • 2” diameter BD plastic end caps (6 per site)

  • Cooler with ice or freezer blocks

  • Heavy duty garbage bags to line coolers

Field Decontamination Equipment

  • (2) spray bottles with 70% ethanol (or equivalent)
  • (6-10) cloth rags

Field Gear/Safety Equipment

  • Cell phone or tablet with ArcGIS Field Maps installed
  • Car charger
  • Gloves for hand protection
  • N-95 masks

Before Sampling

  • Communicate with landowners/producers.
  • Add sample point locations to ArcGIS map.
  • Download offline areas in ArcGIS Field Maps.
  • Load all supplies and equipment listed on the left side of this checklist into the vehicle.

After Sampling

  • Check field forms in ArcGIS Field Maps are complete and correct.
  • Check all sample bags are properly labeled and sealed.
  • Separate falcon tubes to be placed in a freezer until WSDA retrieves them.
  • Complete chain of custody (CoC) and take a picture.
  • Package samples with ice packs and a zip top bag with the CoC and extra pre-printed sample labels.
  • Ship or drop off package.
  • Send CoC picture and tracking number to WaSHI@agr.wa.gov immediately after sampling.

Ship To or Drop Off at:

Ship or drop off samples at least once per week. Include ice packs, CoC, and extra label per sample.

Soiltest Lab

2925 Driggs Drive

Moses Lake, WA 98837

WA Department of Agriculture Shipping Accounts

UPS Reference # 72190

FedEx Reference # 72190

Drop Box

If using a drop box, call the office (509.765.1622) so they can quickly get the samples.

  • McGregor: 200 S Railroad Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926
  • Kern Company: 200 S Main St. Kittitas, WA 98934

Need Help? WSDA Contact Information

  • General email: WaSHI@agr.wa.gov
  • Program Info: Dani Gelardi | 360.791.3903 | DGelardi@agr.wa.gov
  • Sampling/Field Assistance: Leslie Michel | 509.731.9895 | LMichel@agr.wa.gov
  • Data/GIS Assistance: Jadey Ryan | 360.819.7855 | JRyan@agr.wa.gov

This article was published by the Washington Soil Health Initiative. To have these posts delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to the WaSHI newsletter.

To find a soil science technical service provider, visit the Washington State University Extension website or the Washington State Conservation District website.