Taking Soil Samples

We regularly collect soil samples in our research area to monitor nitrate levels and enhance soil fertility. We take samples at three depths:
1) 0-30cm
2) 30cm-60cm
3) 60cm - 90cm

We choose these depths because nitrate is mobile and leaches with water, and most vegetable roots extend down to 60 cm - so tracking nitrate movement through the profile is especially important during winter when plant uptake is low and rainfall is high. The photo above is showing Tobi collecting a sample from the 0–30 cm layer.