BBC LABORATORIES
Agricultural & Environmental Microbiological Services

Introduction

These soils samples will be analyzed for living components, so it is necessary to take precautions that ensure the soils stay cool (never frozen) and are shipped for rapid delivery to the laboratory. A kit for soil sampling may be provided, at shipping cost, to assist in keeping microorganisms viable and avoiding sample contamination. The kit includes the shipping container, gel ice, sample bags, Chain of Custody forms, and instructions for sampling. The client may provide some of these items if it is more expedient.

For International Shipments: A USDA sticker (PPQ Form 550) must be attached to the outside of the shipping container. This sticker will be provided to the client upon request, and is to be used only for shipments to BBC Laboratories. The sticker is not valid for shipment to any other location. A customs declaration letter and copy of the BBC Laboratories Soil Permit should be placed in an envelope on the outside of the shipping container, accessible to inspectors. Send samples via FedEx, DHL, UPS or other carrier for the shortest available delivery time.

Sampling Procedure

1. When the kit arrives, remove the gel ice and freeze overnight for use the next day.
2. Each soil sample should consist of 6-10 random sub-samples taken from an area representing the same plant variety and root stock, similar soil type, and the same irrigation schedule. If any of these factors are different (i.e. different plant variety, etc.), the soil should be a separate sample. Avoid taking samples from the edges of the zone to be sampled.
3. Consideration should be given to the crop type and method of irrigation when deciding the best place to take samples. Drip and mist irrigation samples should typically be taken midway between the emitter and the base of the plant. Flood irrigation samples can be taken a standardized distance from the plant, typically about 6-12 inches from the base of a mature plant. Samples should be taken well within the area of influence of the irrigation system. MOST IMPORTANTLY - ALL SAMPLES SHOULD BE TAKEN CONSISTENTLY FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES. Any questions about sampling strategies for specific crops and irrigation methods can be determined by consulting with laboratory personnel.
4. Remove any litter or debris from the surface of the soil. Take the soil sample using a clean soil coring device and collecting the first 6 inches of soil. Put all of the sub-samples in the same bag.
5. Clean the soil corer between each sample using water and a paper towel or preferably, isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel. It is not necessary to clean the tool between sub-samples, but it is necessary to clean it between different samples.
6. Label samples, double bag samples, and place in cooler (shipping container) with frozen gel ice.
7. Enclose the completed Chain of Custody form in a plastic bag. Seal the shipping container with packing tape. Apply USDA sticker for international shipments.
8. SHIP CONTAINER ON MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY TO:
   • SAMPLE RECEIVING
   • BBC LABORATORIES
   • 1217 NORTH STADEM DRIVE
   • TEMPE, AZ 85281