Taking Soil Samples

1. Submit a 1 gallon sample of every material together be tested. Small quantities of materials may not be representative of the entire mix and can lead to misleading interpretations of the results.
2. Samples should be taken from several places in the pile and should be taken with probes to get samples from inside the piles. Mix all samples thoroughly to eliminate any chance of a non-representative sample.
3. Place composite soil sample in 1 gallon Zip-Lock plastic bags. Seal bag and put into second Zip-Lock bag with top of first bag at the bottom end of the second bag. Seal second bag. Double bagging will lessen the chance of sample bag opening and spilling before reaching lab.
4. Straight sand samples should be taken, mixed and bagged as described above.
5. Mark all samples so that they are easily identified. Using a black permanent marker to write on the plastic bags will usually be the best method of marking the sample.
6. For existing greens, use soil probes and sample to the depth of the rootzone, usually 12 inches. Take approximately 10 probes for each green, from various locations on the green. Mix the sample thoroughly and place the composite sample in double Zip-Lock bag 8 as described above.
7. Send sample to: DAKOTA Analytical, Inc. 833 Gateway Dr. NE, East Grand Forks, MN 56721 Phone: 701-746-4300 Fax: 218-773-3151.
8. Test results will take 1-5 business days from date received depending on the tests requested. Results will be faxed to you upon completion of all tests requested and hard copies can be mailed to you if requested. Please include the company name, contact person, phone, fax, tests requested and whom to bill with the sample.