SOIL SAMPLING MANUAL

Chapter : 4
Soil Sampling Procedures
4.1 Soil Sampling from Surface and Subsurface
This subpart deals with surface as well as subsurface soil sampling.
Surface Soil Samples:
The surface soil samples are to be collected keeping the following consideration in mind:
n The tools used for collecting samples from near- surface soil are spades, shovels, trowels, and scoops. For
collecting at depth, the surface material is to be removed till the required depth is obtained and stainless steel
or plastic scoop is then used to collect the sample.
n Surface Soil Sampling is the method which may be used for almost all the soil types, but it is restricted to
sampling at or near the ground surface. Accurate, representative samples are to be collected following a
similar procedure.
n When undisturbed profiles are required, a flat, pointed mason trowel is used to cut a block of the desired soil.
Chrome- plated tools should not be used. Plating is generally used with garden implements potting trowels.
n The process for collecting Surface Soil Samples:-
n The top layer of soil or debris is first removed with care using a clean spade upto the desired sample depth.
n Then, a thin layer of soil is removed from the area, which came in contact with the spade by using a pre-
cleaned, stainless steel scoop, plastic spoon, or trowel.
n When Volatile Organic analysis is to be performed, the sample is directly transferred into a properly and
labeled sample container with a stainless steel lab spoon, or equivalent and the cap is secured tightly. The
remainder of the sample is then put into a stainless steel, plastic, or other appropriate homogenization
container, and mixed thoroughly to gain a homogenous sample representative of the entire sampling interval.
The samples are placed into appropriate, labeled containers and the caps are secured tightly. The composite
samples of a sample from another sampling interval or location are placed into the homogenization container
and mixed thoroughly. When compositing is complete, the sample is placed into appropriate, labeled
containers and the caps are secured tightly.

4.2 Types of Sampling:-

Sampling can be done by various types. The seven notable types are mentioned here-in-after. Most of these
designs can be used in environmental data collection. Many of them though not commonly used yet have great
potential for improving the quality of environmental data. The following paragraphs describe each design,
indicating the type of applications for which each design is especially appropriate and useful.

4.2.1 Judgmental Sampling:-

n Such sampling requires experience as the selection of sampling units such as number, location, timing of
collecting samples etc is based on the soil condition, its characteristics and features. It thus requires
professional judgment. Such a sampling can be easily biased sampling as inferences are based on professional
judgment and not statistical principles.

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n Conclusions are limited and depend entirely on the validity and accuracy of professional judgment. Further
probabilistic statements about soil parameters are not possible. Sampling may be used in conjunction with
other sampling designs to get effective results.

4.2.2 Simple Random Sampling:-

n In this method of sampling, specific sampling units such as
locations, time, etc are designated using random numbers.
Thus based on statistical concepts, all probable selections of
a given number of units are equally likely. In a simple
random sample of points, all points are numbered and few
of them are randomly selected from that list or by sampling
an area by using pairs of random coordinates. In
comparison to other methods, this method is easy, and the
equations for determining sample size are also simple ones.
Figure 4.1 illustrates a possible simple random sample for a
square area of soil.
n Simple random sampling is quite useful when the area to be
sampled for soil is homogeneous; i.e., no major variations in Figure 4.1 Simple Random Sampling
soil type and its contamination are expected. Source: Soil Survey Manual

The advantages of this type of design are as follows:

n It gives statistically unbiased estimates of the mean, proportions, and variability.
n The design is easy to apprehend and implement.
n Sample size calculations and data analysis are simple.

However, in certain cases, application of this method can be comparatively difficult in case of grid samples as it
becomes difficult to identify random geographic locations. Furthermore, simple random sampling may lead to
inflated cost due to location, topography, etc.

4.2.3 Stratified Sampling

n In such sampling, the target area is parted into a number of
overlapping strata, or is thought to be more similar such as due
to soil medium or contaminant. The assumption is that there
tends to be less variation among sampling units in the same
stratum.
n The choice of strata is based on spatial or temporal proximity
of the units, or sometimes based on pre-existent information
or professional decision about the site or process. Figure 4.2 is
an example of stratified site based on presence of
Figure 4.2 Stratified Sampling
contaminant due to wind patterns, soil type and surface soil Source: Soil Survey Manual
texture.
n This design is useful when the target soil sample is heterogeneous and the area is to be subdivided based on
expected contamination levels. This sampling design has a greater potential of achieving precision in
estimates of mean. Precision can be better if the measurement of interest is strongly correlated with the
variable used to make the strata.

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4.2.4 Systematic and Grid Sampling:-

n In systematic and grid sampling, sampling grids are selected at repeatedly spaced intervals over a space or
period of time. Initial location or initial time is selected at random, while the subsequent sampling locations
are well-defined so that all locations are at regular intervals over an area (implying grid) or time (implying
systematic).
n The systematic grids may be rectangular, triangular, square, or radial ones. Figure 4.3 is an example of
Systematic and grid sampling, which is used to search for hot spots as also to find means, percentiles, or other
parameters. It is also used to calculate spatial patterns or trends over a period of time.
n It is a practical and easy method for ensuring uniform coverage of a site.

Figure 4.3 Systematic and Grid Sampling Source: Soil Survey Manual

4.2.5 Ranked Set Sampling

n It is an advanced design form of sample extremely useful and cost efficient in order to find good
approximations of mean concentration levels in soil or other environmental media. It combines professional
judgment with field screening measurement to arrive at definite sampling locations.
n It is a two-phase sampling design that identifies sets of field locations, then employs low-cost measurements
to rank such locations in each set, and finally chooses one location from each set for sampling. The field
locations are identified using simple random sampling.
n As compared to simple random sampling, this method gives more illustrative samples and thus also gives
better and accurate estimates of the sampling.
n Ranked set sampling is useful when the cost of locating and ranking such locations in the field is low as
compared to laboratory measurements. However, the cost would be low provided as it is based on expert
knowledge or measurement.
n In this method, therefore there is a need to associate ranking methods and analytical methods strongly.

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4.2.6 Adaptive Cluster Sampling

n In adaptive cluster sampling, certain samples are collected using simple random sampling, while
supplementary samples may be collected at locations where measurements exceed a defined threshold
value.
n The supplementary sampling and subsequently analysis may be varying in number. Adaptive cluster sampling
thus is about collection probabilities for later phases of sampling so as to have unbiased estimate despite
oversampling in certain areas.
n Adaptive cluster sampling can be done by delineating the borders of soil contamination. In such delineated
areas sample plots may taken up.
n Figure 4.4 shows initial and final adaptive sampling designs. Initially arbitrarily selected primary sampling
units are taken up using simple random sampling (shown by squares). Specific Interest such as ecological
effect, contaminant concentration of soil etc are shown by the shaded areas in the figure. Thus additional
sampling units adjacent to the original unit are selected, and samples collected.
n Adaptive sampling is quite useful for approximating or searching for rare features in soil. It is inexpensive with
rapid measurements. It helps in identifying the boundaries of hot spots, while also collecting representative
and weighted data so as to obtain unbiased estimates of the sample mean.

Figure 4.4 Adaptive Cluster Sampling Source: Soil Survey Manual

4.2.7 Composite Sampling

n In composite sampling (Figure 4.5), volumes of soil from various selected sampling units are physically
combined and mixed to form a single homogeneous sample, which is then analyzed.
n It is very inexpensive as it lowers the number of chemical analyses. It is, thus most cost effective as well,
especially when analysis costs are immense in comparison to sampling costs. It must be, however ensured
that there are no safety hazards or potential biases such as loss of VOCs due to compositing.
n It can also be used in combination with other sampling designs, especially when the objective is to evaluate
information of the population mean and also when spatial or temporal variability information is not required.

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n It is also used to estimate the occurrence of a

rare trait. Individual aliquots from samples
leading to a composite sample can be
retested on a new portion. In such cases re-
testing schemes are pooled with composite
sampling protocols to identify individual units
that have a certain trait. This may be
necessary when highest contaminant levels
are required to be determined.
n A Comparison of soil sampling approaches is
given in Table 3.1

Figure 4.5 Composite Sampling

Source: Soil Survey Manual

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Table 3.1 Overview of Sampling Approach

Serial Sampling Strategy Definition Applicability

No Advantages/Disadvantages
1 Judgmental Sample locations are Soils of known Deep knowledge of properties
identified on the basis of physical/chemical and constituents of soil is
comprehensive properties and may be required. Rationale for soil
knowledge about soil contaminated sample selection has to be
type etc without regard concentrations are properly documented and must
to randomization. identified. be based on such knowledge.

2 Random Statistical Principles/ Objective is to collect Same as for Simple Random,

(Simple, Techniques employed for representative samples, Stratified and Systematic
Stratified, sample selection and especially in cases of Random Sampling below.
location are determined unknown contaminant or
systematic)
variable concentration

3 Simple All soil locations/points Objective is to collect Advantages: Most appropriate

Random from which a soil sample representative soil when little or no information
can be obtained are samples that are about the distribution of
identified. Appropriate heterogeneous contaminants in soil.
number of samples is throughout i.e. multiple Disadvantages: inadequate or
randomly collected. locations of unknown over-representation of soil with
origin. high concentration or
stratification.
4 Stratified Soils of non-uniform Objective is to collect Advantages: Useful in cases
Random properties or representative samples where increased accuracy of
concentrations are from soils having non- soil sampling is required. Strata
identified and stratified uniform properties or a typically high or low
(segregated). (strata) or concentration. contaminant concentration is
Simple random sampling present.
is employed to collect Disadvantages: Good
from each soil stratum. knowledge of soil is required as
compared to simple random
sampling, besides sophisticated
statistical applications.
5 Systematic The first soil sampling This is an alternate Advantages: Sample
Random point is randomly procedure for collecting identification is easier as also
selected while representative samples collection than other
subsequent samples are from modestly techniques.
collected at fixed space heterogeneous soils that Disadvantages: Inadequate or
intervals. These may be that have simplified over representation of soils
along a transect or time sample densification. with unknown areas of high
intervals. contaminates concentration or
stratification.

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Table 3.2 Major Sampling Techniques

Sampling Strategy Definition Applicability

Advantages/Disadvantages

Grab A sample from Commonly employed for Advantages: It is one of the simplest
a Particular random sampling method. It techniques that give best measure of
location at a is quite useful in variability.
distinct point in determining range of Disadvantages: The number of
time. concentration in soil when samples may be large as compared to
multiple or frequent composting so as to obtain
samples are obtained. representative sample.
Composite* Individually This technique is used Advantages: It has reduced analytical
collected where average or costs. This may reduce the number of
samples are normalized concentration samples needed to gain accurate
combined into estimates of soil are representation of a soil.
a single sample required. Disadvantages: It only gives the
for analysis. average concentrations of a soil
implying that no information about
range of concentration is available.

4.3 Soil Sampling Procedures with Equipment

4.3.1 Soil Sampling Procedure with Trier

Following steps should be followed for collection of soil samples with Trier:
1. The Trier should edge into the material to be sampled at a 00 to 450 angle from horizontal. This
coordination reduces the spillage of sample.
2. The Trier should be rotate once or twice to cut a core of material.
3. The Trier is gradually removed such that the slot is facing upward.
4. When there is a requirement of Volatile Organic analyses, the sample is transferred into a suitable,
labeled sample container with a stainless steel lab spoon or equivalent and tightly secures the cap. The
remainder of the sample is placed into a stainless steel, plastic, or other appropriate homogenization
container, and mixed thoroughly to obtain a homogenous sample representative of the entire sampling
interval. Then, the sample are placed into appropriate, labeled containers and the caps are tightly
secured; or, if composite samples are to be accumulated then a sample is placed from another sampling
interval into the homogenization container and mixed thoroughly. When compositing is complete, the
sample is placed into appropriate, labeled containers and the caps are tightly secured.

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4.3.2 Soil Sampling Procedure with Auger:

The Salient steps to be followed for collection of samples:-
1. The auger must be attached to a drill rod extension, and the "T" handle to the drill rod.
2. The area to be sampled is first cleaned and made free from surface debris such as twigs, rocks, and litter.
3. It is recommended to remove the surface soil for an area around six inches in radius around the drilling
location.
4. The auguring is started, and then intermittently removed and accumulated soils are deposited on top of
plastic sheet spread near the hole. This avoids accidental brushing of loose material back down the
borehole when removing the auger or adding drill rods.
5. The Auger is removed with care from the hole after achieving desired depth. When sampled directly
from the auger, the sample is collected after the auger is removed from the hole.
6. The auger tip is then taken away and replaced with a pre-cleaned thin wall tube sampler. Proper cutting
tip is installed.
7. It is then lowered into the tube sampler and progressively forced into the soil. The scrapping of borehole
sides must be avoided. Hammering threads are avoided as the vibrations may cause the boring walls to
collapse.
8. The tube sampler is then removed and the drill rods unscrewed.
9. The cutting tip and also the core are removed from the device.
[Link] top of the core (approximately 1 inch) is discarded as this represents material collected before
penetration of the concerned layer. The rest of the core is placed into the appropriate labeled sample
container. Sample homogenization is not necessary here.
[Link] volatile organic analysis is to be performed, the sample is transferred into an appropriate, labeled
sample container with a stainless steel lab spoon or equivalent and the cap is tightly secured. The rest of
the sample is placed into a stainless steel, plastic, or another appropriate homogenization container, and
mixed thoroughly to gain a homogenous sample representative of the entire sampling interval. The
sample is then placed into appropriate, labeled containers and the caps tightly secured.
[Link] hole is refilled depending upon its depth. Generally, shallow holes can simply be backfilled with the
removed soil material.

4.3.3 Soil Sampling Procedures with Scoops and Shovels:

The following steps should be followed for collection of samples:-
1. Vegetation and the top layer of soil can be removed by using pre-cleaned stainless steel scoop or trowel.
The soil is further loosened to the required volume.
2. The distinct grab sample is then transferred into container.
3. For composite sample, sole stainless steel or glass mixing or any other appropriate container must be
used and tools such as stainless steel spoon, trowel, or pestle must be used for collection.
4. The sample containers must be marked while soil sample data sheets mentioning depth, location, color,

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other observations, are filled up.

5. The glass sample containers must be placed in sealed plastic bags and packed into an iced shipping
container. Samples must be compulsorily cooled and maintained at 4°C as soon as possible.
6. The cycle of custody and shipping must be finish as fast as possible to reduce its holding time. When the
[9]
sample arrives at laboratory, it should be within the holding time.

4.3.4 Soil Sampling Procedures with Split Spoon (Barrel) Sampler:

The steps for the collection of samples are as follows:-
1. The sampler is assembled by aligning both the sides of barrel and screwing the drive shoe to the bottom
and the head piece on top.
2. The sampler is then placed in a perpendicular position to the sample material.
3. The well ring should be good to drive the tube. However, it should not drive past the bottom of the head
piece; otherwise it may result in compression of the sample.
4. The length of the tube is then penetrated into the material to be sampled, and the number of blows
recorded to get to this depth.
5. The sampler is then withdrawn and opened by unscrewing the bit and head and splitting the barrel. The
amount of recovery and soil type is recorded on the boring log. In case a split sample is required, cleaned,
stainless steel knife is used to divide the tube contents in half, longitudinally.
6. The core is transferred without disturbing to an appropriate labeled sample container(s) and sealed
tightly.

4.3.5 Soil Sampling at Depth with Augers and Thin Wall Tube Samplers
The following steps shall be kept in mind while sampling at depth with Augers and Thin Wall Tube Samplers
1. It employs use of an auger, or a thin-wall tube sampler, a series of extensions, and “T" handles. The auger
is used to bore a hole to a desired sampling depth, and then withdrawn. The sample can be collected
directly from the auger.
2. The core of sample can be collected by replacing the auger tip with a thin wall tube sampler. It is then
lowered down the system into the borehole, and driven into the soil to the completion depth.
3. There are several types of augers available; which includes bucket type, continuous flight (screw), and
post-hole augers. Bucket type augers are better for direct sample recovery as they provide a large
volume of sample in lesser time.
4. The continuous flight augers are useful in collecting the sample directly from the flights. Their use is
satisfactory when a composite of the complete soil column is required. Post-hole augers have limited
utility for sample collection as they are designed to cut through fibrous, rooted, swampy soil and cannot
be used below a depth of approximately three feet.[10]

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