--- title: "Soil Sampling Guide for Microbiome Analysis | Biomcare" description: "Follow this practical guide to collect reliable soil samples for microbiome profiling, sequencing and analysis." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://biomcare.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Resources", "item": "https://biomcare.com/resources" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Soil Sampling Guide" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://biomcare.com/#organization", "name": "BiomCare", "url": "https://biomcare.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://biomcare.com/favicon.ico" }, "description": "Biomcare delivers microbiome intelligence for agriculture, animal science, and translational research - from DNA sequencing to actionable insights.", "email": "info@biomcare.com", "sameAs": [ "https://linkedin.com/company/biomcare" ] }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://biomcare.com/#website", "name": "BiomCare", "url": "https://biomcare.com", "publisher": { "@id": "https://biomcare.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "Soil Sampling Guide for Microbiome Analysis | Biomcare", "description": "Follow this practical guide to collect reliable soil samples for microbiome profiling, sequencing and analysis.", "datePublished": "2025-01-15", "dateModified": "2025-06-01", "url": "https://biomcare.com/resources/soil-sampling-guide", "publisher": { "@id": "https://biomcare.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "HowTo", "name": "Soil Sampling Guide for Microbiome Analysis | Biomcare", "description": "Follow this practical guide to collect reliable soil samples for microbiome profiling, sequencing and analysis.", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 1, "name": "Contact Biomcare", "text": "Contact Biomcare to let us know you will be sending one or more samples. We will send you instructions regarding shipment address and a sample sheet for registering your sample labels." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 2, "name": "Collect the sample(s)", "text": "Collect composite soil samples from your fields. Collect 8-16 subsamples, mix well in a clean bucket, and take a small uniform subsample into a labeled bag or jar." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 3, "name": "Send the sample(s)", "text": "Ship samples to the lab within 2-3 days. Ensure bags or jars are tightly closed. Ship early in the week to avoid weekend delays. Store long-term at -20°C or short-term at 0-6°C." } ], "url": "https://biomcare.com/resources/soil-sampling-guide" } ] } ] --- [![Biomcare](data:image/png;base64,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)](/) [Services](/services) [Applications](/applications) [Resources](/resources)[Cases](/cases) [Company](/company) [Contact](/contact-biomcare) Toggle menu 1. [Home ](/) 2. [Resources](/resources) 3. Soil Sampling Guide # Step-by-Step: How to Collect Soil Samples for Microbiome Profiling A practical guide to collecting reliable soil samples - whether you are new to soil biology testing or have done it before. This guide will help you collect reliable soil samples for [soil microbiome analysis](/soil-microbiome-analysis) - whether you are new to soil biology testing or have done it before. ## Step 1: Contact Biomcare Contact Biomcare to let us know you will be sending one or more samples. We will send you: - Instructions regarding shipment address and current turnaround time - A sample sheet for registering your sample labels and a few key details For each batch of samples you send to us, you must email the completed sample sheet so we can keep track of your samples. ## Step 2: Collect the sample(s) Collect composite soil samples from your fields. You will need: - A clean bucket - A spoon or soil drill - A small plastic bag or jar (a few ml in size) - Labels for each sample It is recommended to wear gloves. Do not handle the soil directly with your hands if you are not wearing gloves. Collect 8-16 subsamples across the area you want to profile. Put the subsamples into the larger bucket and mix well. Remove any large clumps, stones, or organic material. Take a small uniform subsample into the labeled bag or jar and close it well. If using a jar, seal it with tape to ensure it stays closed during transportation. The amount of composite soil we ask you to send is 3-5 spoons, or approximately a few ml. ## Step 3: Send the sample(s) When you first contact us, we will provide instructions on where to send your samples. Here are some best practices for shipping: - Ensure bags or jars are tightly closed and will not leak during transit - Use a shipping method that delivers samples to the lab within 2-3 days - overnight shipping is ideal - Ship early in the week to avoid weekend delays - At room temperature, total transit time should not exceed 5 days - If outdoor temperatures exceed 20°C, include freeze elements in the shipment and use a polystyrene container If you need to store samples before shipping: - Store long-term at -20°C - Store short-term (up to 7 days) at 0-6°C ## Common questions ### Do I need special equipment? No special equipment is needed. A clean bucket, a spoon or soil drill, and a small labeled container are sufficient. ### How deep should I sample? We recommend sampling at a depth of 5-15 cm to represent both topsoil and lower layers. Depending on your aim, you can collect bulk soil only, rhizosphere soil only, or a combination. If collecting rhizosphere soil, pull up 8-16 plants, shake the soil from the roots, and mix it in the bucket. One composite sample should represent a uniform area with similar soil characteristics (pH, texture) and consistent management practices (fertilization, irrigation, etc.). ### How long until I receive my results? Turnaround time is usually 5-6 weeks from when samples arrive at our lab. See our [FAQ](/frequently-asked-questions) for more details on delivery times. ## Ready to get started? Get in touch to discuss your project or request sample sheets. 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