Choose your sampling area as you would for taking samples for minerals. Different soil types or topography may necessitate more than one test ie river flats will be different to hill sides or tops probably both soil types and/or plant growth.

Take around 20 plugs (70mm – 120mm deep) from your designated area ensuring you have a good representation of that area. Keep away from cow pats etc. This should amount to about two handfuls. Place in a strong plastic bag and label clearly.

Repeat the process for each area you require a test from.

Thermal and Vermicast:

Take handfuls from assorted areas all over compost pile ie top, bottom, middle, inside and outside and place in a bucket. Mix well then take two large handfuls and place in a strong plastic bag as described for soil and mark clearly with sample number.

Download a Compost Submission Form. Complete and send the sample(s) by overnight courier to Soil Foodweb NZ.

Include your address and select one of the 2 assay package options – prices are noted on the form.

For specific tree or vine crops such as avocado, pip and stone, kiwifruit and grape, care needs to be taken to extract the roots for mycorrhizal assessment. Dig down until you find the very fine roots, the paler the better, and gently tease out enough roots to fit across the palm of your hand. These can be carefully placed on top of the soil in the bag prior to sealing. NOTE: Brassica crops are not hosts of Mycorrhiza.

Download the Soil Submission Form. Complete and send with the sample(s) by overnight courier to Soil Foodweb NZ.

Include your address and select one of the 2 assay package options – prices are noted on the form.  If you have any further questions or instructions, please phone the lab.

Total Foodweb Package

6 Assays includes: Active and Total Bacteria and Fungi, plus Protozoa and Mycorrhiza.

Bacterial and Fungal Package

4 Assays includes: Active and Total Bacteria and Fungi only.