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Sampling Instructions for BeCrop Farm

Standardized soil collection is the foundation of accurate microbiome analysis. By following the procedures below, you ensure the biological integrity of your samples, allowing the BeCrop Farm platform to generate high-resolution maps for nutrient cycling, disease risk, and stress adaptation.

Step-by-Step Collection Procedure

1. Select Your Sampling Site

  • Identify a block with uniform crop type, management history, and yield performance.

  • Locate the reference GPS coordinates provided by Biome Makers.

2. Prepare Your Tools

  • Use clean digging tools and wear disposable gloves.

  • Disinfect all equipment between sampling blocks to prevent cross-contamination.

3. Collect Composite Samples

  • Within a 20-foot / 6 meter radius of the GPS point, take 3 to 6 soil cores from the root zone of different plants.

  • Depth: 2–6 inches / 5–15 cm.

  • Proximity:

    • Row crops: sample directly in the root zone.

    • Fruit crops: sample 24 inches / 60 cm from the trunk.

    • Vineyards: sample 12 inches / 30 cm from the plant.

  • Place the soil cores into a clean bucket.
  • Mix thoroughly to create a uniform composite sample.

Important: Avoid sampling for 3 days after heavy rainfall and do not sample directly under drip emitters.

4. Measure and Package Your Samples

  • BeCrop:

     

    • For each sample, fill coded tube provided by Biome Makers approximately halfway with soil (1-3 grams).

       

    • If no coded tube, label a bag and fill with no more than 1/4 cup (10 grams).

  • BeCrop+: *includes physico-chemical analysis

    Use a labeled bag and fill as follows depending on the destination lab:

    • USA lab: fill coded bag provided by Biome Makers to the fill line (2 cups of soil / 500 grams). Do not fill past the fill line

      If no coded bag, label one and fill it with 2 cups of soil (500 grams). No more than 2 1⁄4 cups (550 grams total)

    • EU lab: fill coded bag provided by Biome Makers with 150 grams of soil. If no coded bag, label one and fill it with 150 grams.

6. Complete Documentation

  • Fill out the BeCrop Submittal Form or the Excel metadata sheet provided by your Biome Makers contact.

  • The following fields are required:

    • Field ID

    • Sample reference

    • Collection date

    • Crop type

    • Coordinates (Latitude/Longitude)

Storage and Shipping Guidelines

  • Ship samples immediately after collection to preserve microbial integrity.

  • Transit Time: Use 1- or 2-day shipping. If samples are in transit for more than 5 cumulative days at room temperature, you must include icepacks.

  • Short-Term Storage: Store samples at 0–6°C (32–48°F) for up to 3 days.

  • Long-Term Storage: Freeze at -20°C (-4°F) if shipping is delayed.

Shipping Addresses

North America
 Biome Makers Inc.
202 Cousteau Pl, Suite 100
Davis, CA 95618
USA

Europe
 Biome Makers
C. Estadio, 9, Entreplanta C  
47006 Valladolid
Spain