Soil Test - Storage, Handling, and Moving

Storage, Handling, and Moving

Soil chemistry changes over time as biological and chemical processes break down or combine compounds over time. These processes change once the soil is removed from its natural ecosystem (flora and fauna that penetrate the sampled area) and environment (temperature, moisture, and solar light/radiation cycles). As a result, the chemical composition analysis accuracy can be improved if the soil is analyzed soon after extraction — usually within 24 hours. The chemical changes in the soil can be slowed during storage and transportation by freezing it. Longer term soil sample preservation (many months) can be accomplished by air drying.