Version:

NATIONAL LEARNING SERVICE SENA

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Code:
Soil sampling protocol

SAMPLING PROTOCOL FOR UNCONTAMINATED SOIL

This protocol describes the procedures to follow for the taking of

soil samples intended for agricultural use. Sampling is carried out for
characterize the soil according to the type of nutrients present in it
determine the appropriate crop to plant in order to make the most of this type of
floor.

SCOPE

Applicable to all types of soil whose primary use is agricultural.

measurement parameters are acceptable nutrient concentrations for
certain crop.

SAMPLING POINTS

Crops
Lots
Pastures

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Bucket
Fertility drill
Dutch drill
Ballpoint pen or marker
Clean plastic bags
Chain of custody
Chisel and hammer
Measuring tape
Tape measure or measuring tape
Knife

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Soil sampling protocol

Labels
Phosphate-free soap
Machete
Map of the farm or site where the sample will be taken
Spade
Piseta
Rake
Absorbent towels

CONTAINERS FOR SAMPLE PRESERVATION

oQuick closure or airtight polyethylene bags

o Wide mouth glass jars, with lid and Teflon seal.
Styrofoam cooler with ice
oGlass vials with Teflon closure.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Rubber or safety boots

oCofia
Safety glasses
Latex gloves
Dust mask
Overall

CONSERVATION

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Soil sampling protocol

The samples must be placed in plastic bags, with a hermetic closure in their
respective container and refrigerate as soon as possible. The temperature of
Cooling should be maintained at approximately between 0 and 4°C until the
analysis, which must be performed as soon as possible after the sample is taken.

LABEL

All samples must be labeled to avoid confusion or errors.

Identification. The label designed for this purpose or another one in which
maintain the same information arranged in the same way.

The labels will be filled out and attached to the container or bag where they
the sample has been deposited. All the information on the label will be filled in.
unless for any confidentiality circumstances, it should not be known who
took the sample, the point or sampling location, in which case they can be left in
white those sections.

Finally, this should be covered with a wide transparent tape to protect it from
the humidity or any damage that it may suffer or to prevent it from getting lost

The label must be placed in a visible location and cannot exceed the size of the
container and properly adhered to prevent loss

INFORMATION

Code: Sample identification number

of the person requesting the sampling
Company: The company requesting the sampling
Phone: From those who request the sampling

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Soil Sampling Protocol

Place of taking: It is the general location of the taking site. (Coordinates

geographical).
Sampling point: Place where the sample is taken
Soil type: The type of soil where the sample will be taken
Sampling technique
Date: Date on which the sample is taken.
Sample collection time
Final Time: Time at which the sample collection is completed
Organoleptic characteristics: they are all those descriptions of the
physical characteristics that it hasmatterin general
Conservation measures: it serves the function of helping to preserve
the sample without any alteration upon arriving at the laboratory.
Type of sample: whether it is a composite sample or a regular sample.
Observations: if different data is seen or determined or
irregularities in the water sample and that do not fall within the
label

STAMPS

It must be ensured that the sample containers are delivered to the

laboratory as routine samples. It is recommended that the containers be
sealed with a Teflon quote hermetically and protected from the effects of light
excessive heat, because the characteristics of the sample can deteriorate
quickly. A sample whose seal has been breached should never be analyzed or
opened prematurely as it may be an indication of sample adulteration.

CHAIN OF CUSTODY

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Soil sampling protocol

The chain of custody has the function of transporting the evidence from its beginning.
final outcome and conclusion this applies to all types of samples and is of
mandatory character

The chain of custody documentation must contain at least:

The custody sheet number provided by the laboratory

accredited.
The name of the company and the person responsible for sampling.

The site identification data (UTM coordinates).

The date and time of the sampling.
The keys of the samples.
Name of the laboratory that receives the samples.
Matrices
Parameters
The required analysis or determination.
The number of containers.
Observations.
Identification of the individuals who deliver and receive in each of the
transport stages, including date and time.

PROCEDURE

Before embarking on a field trip, all preparations must be made.

necessary

Having a location map of the sampling sites,

coordinates and parameters to analyze.
Preparation of equipment and material lists.

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Soil Sampling Protocol

Preparation of a checklist that must include the

following concepts: packaging supplies for samples,
coolers; maps, station descriptions, tags for the
containers, and forms to report information from the stations;
manuals, tools, spare parts; safety equipment, etc.
Security.- At this point, it should be noted what the equipment is
security that should be used for this sampling and the precautions
that should be taken. This will depend on the sampling site and the type of
samples to be collected.
Transportation of the samples and destination: At this point, it will be indicated

what form will they be transported (pickup, messenger, etc.)

samples and their destination (regional laboratory(ies) or
central).
Verification of the existence of chemical products and materials for
cleaning
Verification of the cleanliness (if applicable) of all containers for the
samples, in accordance with established procedures.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR TAKING ANY TYPE OF SAMPLING OF

FLOORS

Complete all the required information on the labels of

identification.
In case sampling equipment is required for the
collection of the samples, it must be washed at the sampling site
prior to the sample collection, in the following manner
Identify each sample according to its original identification from the plan
of sampling.
Immediately and clearly identify the samples.
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Soil sampling protocol

Sampling will always be done using latex gloves.

clean.
Samples will be taken from the sites specified in the Plan
Sampling

WASHING AND DISINFECTION OF MATERIAL

Before starting any activity, a thorough cleaning must be conducted.

from the tool and sampling equipment (rake, shovel sampling equipment,
stainless steel spoon, bucket); in order to minimize the potential of
introduction of pollutants into the soil, either through anti-pollution measures
from one survey to another (cross-contamination) or from one sampling interval to another.

During each sampling interval, the sampling equipment and tools of

the used drilling, are perfectly washed in three stages:

The first time for cleaning and decontamination of the tools and
the team consists of removing all the waste from the impregnated soil
they, with the use of cleaning utensils (brushes, fibers, sponges, etc.) and
using drinking water with biodegradable environmental detergent or any
equivalent detergent that is phosphate-free. This can be replaced if
the sampling team will not be used to sample phosphorus or
phosphorus compounds.
In the second, the soil remnants are removed, also with
cleaning articles and using purified or distilled water with detergent
environmental; then they are rinsed with distilled water to remove the
environmentally friendly detergent.

In the second, the soil remnants are removed, also with

cleaning products and using purified or distilled water with detergent

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Soil sampling protocol

ambient; then they are rinsed with distilled water to remove the
environmentally friendly detergent.

This cleaning and decontamination of the sampling equipment and materials is

they will be carried out then before taking each sample

A representative surface of the soil is selected to carry out its

respective sampling.
The organic top layer is removed with a rake to a depth of 3 cm.
Cleansing. Proceed to clean the area from where the sample will be taken.
remove the vegetation cover and other types of waste or materials that
find in the area.
It is defined how the sampling would be carried out and what type of sample to take:
Simple sample: we will only obtain information from the point of
sampling
composite sample

The sampling for taking non-contaminated soil is carried out.

to know your fertility

GRID OR GRID SAMPLING METHOD

This method considers that the selection of soil sample points is

creates a uniform distance, seeking equidistance between the points covering
the entirety of the area to be sampled:

Find the area of the site where the soil sample will be taken with the
next formula:
oA = width x area

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The grid (mesh) is made by creating and placing the points at

uniform distances, seeking equidistance between points covering the
totality of the area to be sampled.
The midpoint of each grid is found to take the measurement.
A small V-shaped hole is dug to a depth of 20 to 30 cm and
40 cm in diameter, the bottom is cleaned.
The subsample from this point is taken with the shovel.

From the slice, only the central part is valued, while the gathered edges are disregarded.

it must be:

10 cm on each side and 3 to 5 cm thick.

It is placed in the properly clean, dry bucket or container,
disinfected.
A minimum of 20 subsamples are taken and placed in the bucket.
the container.
These are mixed until homogenization. It is recommended to collect
a sample of 40 to 50 g in weight in order to obtain the required weight for
a composite sample that is 1 kg can be homogenized in the same one
to bucket or to perform a quartering, the quartering is done in the following way:

To spread the homogenized composite sample on a plastic.

to separate the opposite rooms
you firmly grab two opposite vertices of the plastic and stretch it from
one of them so that the earth rolls to the other side, then
stretch it so that the sample turns counterclockwise
The process is repeated with the other two vertices until achieving a
homogeneous sample

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Soil Sampling Protocol

The sample is packaged in a plastic bag or glass container.

according to their analysis resistant to transport and it break; it
it is recommended to use double plastic bags and include between them the
label with sample identification
Diligence the chain of custody format

CONSERVATION

For their preservation, it is advisable to keep them in cool places (0-4

(°C) and a maximum storage time of 14 days, The volume of
the container should be approximately the same as the sample, in order to
minimize the empty space.

TRANSPORT

The collected sample should be kept from being directly exposed to the
sun or other sources of heat during its transport, which must be in the
it should be done in the shortest possible time with the necessary care
to avoid deterioration, the storage must be transported in
suitable containers (styrofoam coolers with their respective
soft drinks

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Soil sampling protocol

SAMPLING PROTOCOL FOR CONTAMINATED SOILS

This protocol defines the procedures to be followed for sampling.

from a soil that is suspected to be contaminated. This sampling allows for the
complete characterization of the compounds present in the soil involved
in the normal cycle in it due to natural phenomena or activities
anthropological.

SCOPE

Applicable to all types of soil that are susceptible to changes in their

composition, generally with aromatic organic compounds and metals
heavy ones that alter the normal soil cycle.

SAMPLING POINTS

Areas close to sources of pollution

Lots
Pastures

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Bucket
Fertility Drill
Dutch drill
Pen or marker
Clean plastic bags
Chain of custody
Chisel and hammer
Measuring tape
Tape measure or measuring tape

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Soil sampling protocol

Knife
Labels
Machete
Map of the estate or the site where the sample will be taken
Shovel
Piseta
Rake
Absorbent towels

CONTAINERS FOR SAMPLE CONSERVATION

Polyethylene bags with airtight closure.

Teflon tape
Wide mouth glass jars with lid and Teflon seal
Styrofoam cooler with ice
Glass vials with Teflon closure.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Rubber or safety boots

Cofia
Safety glasses
Latex gloves
Dust mask
Overall

CONSERVATION

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The samples must be placed in plastic bags, or sealed hermetically, or

in their respective container and refrigerate as soon as possible. The
the cooling temperature should be maintained at approximately between 0 and 4°C
until the analysis, which must be carried out as soon as possible after the
soil sample collection.

LABEL

All samples must be labeled to avoid confusion or errors.

Identification. The designated label or another one that
the same information arranged in the same way.

The labels will be filled out and affixed to the container or bag where they
The sample found deposited will have all the information of the label filled out.
unless for any confidentiality circumstance, it should not be known who
he took the sample, the point or location of sampling, in which case they can be left in
I leave those sections blank.

Finally, this should be covered with a wide transparent tape to protect it from
the humidity or any damage it may suffer or to prevent it from being lost

INFORMATION

Code: Sample identification number

Name: of the person requesting the sampling
Company: The company requesting the sampling
Phone: From those who request the sampling
Place of capture: It is the general location of the capture site. (Coordinates
geographical).

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Sampling point: Place where the sample is taken

Soil type: The type of soil where the sample will be taken
Sampling technique
Date: Date on which the sample is taken.
Start time: Time of sample collection
Final Hour: The time when the sample is completed
Organoleptic characteristics: they are all those descriptions of the
physical characteristics that it has thematterin general
Conservation measures: it serves to help preserve the
sample without any alteration upon arrival at the laboratory.
Type of sample: whether it is a composite sample or a single sample.
Observations: if different data or irregularities are seen or determined
in the water sample and that are not within the label

STAMPS

It must be ensured that the sample containers are delivered to the

laboratory as routine samples. It is recommended that the containers be
hermetically sealed with Teflon and protected from the effects of light and
excessive heat, because the characteristics of the sample can deteriorate
quickly one should never analyze a sample whose seal has been broken or
opened ahead of time

CHAIN OF CUSTODY

The chain of custody functions to carry the evidence from the beginning.
final outcome and conclusion this applies to all types of samples and is of
mandatory character

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Soil sampling protocol

The chain of custody documentation must contain the

less
The custody sheet number provided by the laboratory
accredited.
The name of the company and the person responsible for sampling.

The site's identification data (UTM coordinates).

The date and time of the sampling.
The keys of the samples.
Name of the laboratory that receives the samples.
Matrices
Parameters
The required analysis or determination.
The number of containers.
Observations.
Identification of the people who deliver and receive in each one
of the transportation stages, including date and time.

PROCEDURE

Before embarking on a field trip, all preparations must be made.

necessary:

Preparation of equipment and material lists.

Verification of the cleanliness of all containers for the samples,
according to the established procedures.
Verification of the existence of chemical products and materials for
cleaning

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INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Code:
Soil sampling protocol

Preparation of a checklist that should include the

following concepts: supply of containers for samples, coolers;
maps, station descriptions, labels for containers, and
forms to report information from the stations; manuals,
tools, spare parts; safety equipment, etc.
Having a map of the sampling sites, coordinates and
parameters to analyze.
Transportation of the samples and destination: At this point, it will be noted that
how the samples will be transported (van, courier, etc.) and the
destination of the same (regional or central laboratory(s)).
Safety.- At this point, it should be indicated what the safety equipment is.
what should be used for this sampling and the precautions that should be taken
to have. This will depend on the sampling site and the type of samples that
go collect.

It is very important to correctly perform the sampling procedure.

Well, the representativeness of the results largely depends on that.
analytical results obtained.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR TAKING ANY TYPE OF

SAMPLING IN SOILS

Sample collection will always be performed using latex gloves.

clean.
The samples will be taken from the sites specified in the Plan
Sampling
Immediately and clearly identify the samples.
Identify each sample according to its original identification from the plan.
sampling.

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Soil sampling protocol

Complete all the required information on the identification labels.

In case sampling equipment is required for the
obtaining the samples, this should be washed at the sampling site
prior to the sample collection, in the following manner

WASHING AND DISINFECTION OF MATERIAL

Before starting any activity, a thorough cleaning must be done.

from the tool and sampling equipment (rake, sampling equipment, spoon
stainless steel, bucket); in order to minimize the potential for introduction of
contaminants to the soil, whether through anti-contamination from a survey to
another (cross-contamination) or from one sampling interval to another.

During each sampling interval, the sampling equipment and tools

drilling used, they are washed perfectly in three times:

The first cleaning and decontamination time for the tools and
The team consists of removing all the residues from the impregnated ground.
they, with the use of cleaning products (brushes, fibers, sponges, etc.) and
using drinking water with biodegradable environmental detergent or any
equivalent detergent that is phosphate-free. This can be replaced if
the sampling equipment is not going to be used to sample phosphorus or
phosphorus compounds.
In the second, the remnants of soil are removed, also with
cleaning articles and using purified or distilled water with detergent
environmental; then they are rinsed with distilled water to remove the
environmental detergent.
In the second, the remnants of soil are removed, also with
cleaning articles and using purified or distilled water with detergent

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Soil sampling protocol

ambiental; then they are rinsed with distilled water to remove the
environmental detergent.
This cleaning and decontamination of the equipment and sampling materials is
they will carry out then before taking each sample
A representative surface of the soil in the area is selected.
sampling.

The organic top layer is removed with a rake to a depth of 3cm.

Cleaning: Proceed to clean the area from where the sample will be taken.
remove the vegetation cover and other types of waste or materials that
find in the area
It is defined how the sampling would be carried out:

Simple sample: we will only obtain information from the point of

sampling
Composite sample
Sampling is carried out for the collection of contaminated soil for
to know the concentration of compounds considered toxic according to
to the current environmental legislation.

ZIG-ZAG SAMPLING METHOD

It corresponds to a random sampling; however, the points are representative.

from the soil of the sampling area. The steps to follow are:

Find the area of the site where the soil sampling will take place with the
next formula:

width x area

The zigzag is carried out with points that are equidistant and their
sample is taken at random.

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Soil Sampling Protocol

The point to take the measurement is found.

A small V-shaped hole is dug 20 to 30 cm deep and 40
cm in diameter cleaning the selected area.
The subsample from this point is taken with the help of the shovel.

From the slice, the edges are detached, only the central part.
10 cm on each side and 3 to 5 cm thick.
. It is deposited in the duly clean and dry bucket or container.
disinfected
. A minimum of 20 sub-samples are taken and deposited in the bucket.
container
. It is mixed until complete homogenization. It is recommended to collect
subsample of 40 to 50 g in weight in order to obtain the required weight for
a composite sample, that is, 1 kg can be homogenized in the same
bucket or carry out quartering is done as follows:

To extend the homogenized composite sample in a plastic.

to separate the opposite rooms
One firmly grabs two opposite vertices of the plastic and stretches it.
one of them so that the earth rolls to the other side, then
It is pulled this way so that the sample rotates in the opposite direction.

The process is repeated with the other two vertices until achieving a
homogeneous sample.
The sample is placed in a plastic bag or glass container.
According to your analysis, resistant to transport and rupture, it is recommended

use double plastic bag and include the label between them
sample identification.

Do not insert paper cards or labels inside the bag.

Fill out the chain of custody form

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INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Code:
Soil sampling protocol

CONSERVATION

For their preservation, it is advisable to keep them in cool places (0 to 4

°C), The volume of the container should be approximately the same as the
sample, in order to minimize empty space.
For the sampling of soil contaminated by paint industries, the
samples should be preserved and stored in the following manner:
Heavy metals: High-density polyethylene bags
For sampling contaminated soils from mining, they must be preserved.
in the following way
Volatile Organic Carbon, phenols, phthalates: glass jar
wide mouth, with a lid and Teflon seal.
For the sampling of contaminated soils due to burning, the following must be preserved:

Volatile organic carbon and hydrocarbons: wide mouth glass with lid
and Teflon seal
Heavy metals: Dense polyethylene bags with subsequent
conservation at 4 °C
For taking samples of contaminated soil with wood, they must be preserved.

in the following way:

Pesticides: Wide mouth glass bottle, with lid and seal.
Teflon.

TRANSPORT

The collected samples should be avoided from being exposed directly to the sun or to
other sources of heat during its transport which must be in the shortest time
It must be carried out with the necessary precautions to avoid deterioration.
the storage must be transported in suitable containers (Refrigerators
of expanded polystyrene with its respective refrigerants

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INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Code:
Soil sampling protocol

BIBLIOGRAPHY

. Soil sampling. [Online]. [consulted on October 1, 2015].

Available in:
Invalid input. Please provide text that needs to be translated.
. Laboratory techniques and sampling [Online]. [accessed on January 01 of
October of 2015]. Available [Link]
portal/soil-survey/laboratory-techniques-and-sampling
sampling
. Soil sampling guide. [Online]. [accessed on October 1st
2015. Available The provided text appears to be a URL and does not contain translatable content.
content/uploads/2014/04/SOIL SAMPLING GUIDE_MINAM1.pdf
. Guide for soil sampling and analysis. [Online]. [accessed on January 01]
October of 2015. Available
The provided text is a URL and does not contain translatable content.
actions/GUIA HYDROCARBONS [Link]
. Protocols for sampling and analysis of hazard characteristics
from hazardous waste or materials. [Online]. [consulted on 01 of
October of 2015. Available
Unable to translate URL content.
No translatable text provided.

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ANNEXES

NATIONAL LEARNING SERVICE SENA

LABEL
CODE OF PLACE OF
SAMPLE: SAMPLING DATE: SAMPLING:
INITIAL TIME OF
SAMPLING: FINAL SAMPLING TIME: MUNICIPALITY:
DEPARTMENT: GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION: COORDINATES:
DESCRIPTION OF THE SURFACE
INITIAL DEPTH: FINAL DEPTH:
AREA (m²) SAMPLING TECHNIQUES:
GENERAL DATA OF THE SAMPLE
ANALYSIS DEPTH AREA OF TYPE OF THE QUANTITY OF
requested_area_m2 THE SAMPLE SAMPLE SUBSAMPLE CONSERVATION

responsible_data
NAME OF THE PERSON IN CHARGE: SIGNATURE:
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: ADDRESS
PHONE: EMAIL

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NATIONAL LEARNING SERVICE SENA

CHAIN OF CUSTODY SOIL SAMPLES

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE PROVIDER COMPANY

Site name in the study Department

Company name City or municipality

Client Name Property address

GENERALDATAOFTHESAMPLE

Filling
Measures Type For surface samples
Heart Soil Type Containers Precipitation Sampling Technique Organoleptic characteristics after the
conservation Sample composed
Cod. Place Point sampling
Cod lab Date Hour
Camp take of take

area 2
x y [Link].p s.m v v.a p b yes no intention s.m s.s z z.f other cr olr tex con h c.p e p p.r rf [Link].c yes no N-sub sample
sampling m

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sandy soils
manual s.s sondeo semimecanicoz:zanjaz.f: zanja frescacr: color :olr:olortext: textura con: consistenciah:humedadp:[Link] antropogénicose:estruturap.r
preservation r.f: refrigeration, always sample m. composite sample

OBSERVATIONS : SKETCH:

RESPONSIBLE FINRA PHONE

DELIVERED TO SIGNATURE PHONE

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