Learn how to pick an appropriate spot to sample.

Filling out labels properly is simple, but it matters. Hot tip: fill out your labels in advance where it's clean and dry—like at the car or even the night before.

Tips on getting an accurate 10-cm sample with your syringe in real-world conditions.

Real-world tips on using the metal rings you also use for bulk density samples.

Some sampling sites feature thick vegetation. Here are some pointers on working with that thick vegetative cap and re-filling the hole later."

Get your tools and techniques ready for excavation.

Tips on differentiating among horizons and spotting redoxomorphic features. Tip: teamwork helps when preparing the soil face and recording observations.

Great recap of techniques for assessing organic vs. mineral soils and describing characteristics of soils.

Estimating and recording large debris rather than sending it to the lab..

“Tips on using Munsell Soil Color Charts to accurately identify soil color. Where do you start? Do you move through chroma or hue? It's all here.

Differentiating among redoxomorphic features and their origins.

Masked sand grains, organic bodies and other features, mottles, splotches and more.

Sampling soil from individual horizons takes some finesse. Freshen up on technique here.

Collecting bulk density samples can present challenges in different soil types.

If you can't dig to 125 cm or cave-ins are a problem, it may be time for an auger.

A tidy exit helps your sampling site restore itself promptly.

Proper packing and handling of your soil isotope samples makes a difference to batch lab staff.