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Sampling Instructions for BeCrop Trials

Standardized soil collection is the foundation of accurate microbiome analysis. By following the procedures below, you ensure the biological integrity of your samples, allowing BeCrop Trials to demonstrate agriculture input performance, measuring the effects of ag inputs on soil biology.

Trial Design and Setup

1. Identify a field plot with homogenous soil type and management practice history.

2. Split the plot into the same number of zones as the number of conditions that will be implemented and tested. A separate zone for control and separate zones for each treatment or management practice tested.
These zones should be large enough to avoid cross-effects, such as spray drift, between treatments.

 

Initial Sampling Prior to Treatment / Management Application (T0)

Sample Collection

  • Compile composite soil samples from random locations inside each condition plot.
    • Take at least 3 (and up to 12) soil cores (or spoonfuls) 2-6 inches in depth are recommended to make up one composite sample representing the zone  of interest.
    • All samples should be taken following the same protocol, with the same number of soil spoonfuls (cores) for each sample tube.
  • Sample a minimum of three replicates of each sample.

Note: any soil core or sample collection tools should be cleaned between sampling each separate treatment zone.
 

Metadata

Fill out the sample metadata form with the minimum required information:

  • Field name

  • Sample reference

  • Collection date

  • Crop type

  • Coordinates (Latitude/Longitude)

Post-Treatment Sampling (T1, T2, T3, etc)

Treatment Application

Apply the treatment to each designated zone on the planned date of treatment application, with the control zone receiving no application. All other management factors should remain consistent across the zones.

Sample Collection

Sample each treatment and control zone on the planned date(s) of sampling according to the same methods and sampling locations outlined for T0.

Metadata

After each sampling time, fill out the required metadata as explained for T0.

 

Additional Considerations

  • Each sample tube must contain at least 3 grams (1⁄2 tube) of soil for BeCrop analysis. If you don’t have a BMK tube, fill a labelled bag with approximately 10 grams of soil (1⁄4 cup). BeCrop+ analysis requires at least 500 grams (2 cups).
  • All samples need to be taken in the same zone defined at the beginning of the trial.
  • If feasible, it is recommended that samples be taken as close to the rhizosphere as
    possible when plants are present. If needed, samples can also be taken in the bulk
    soil.