SPADA Docs

research the depth of the A horizon with the web soil survey (Table 2) and then visually 318 confirm to prevent collecting the more clay-rich B horizon. To avoid collecting disturbed 319 soils, select a site away from roads and manmade structures. Using a shovel or spade, 320 collect soil down to about an inch above the A-B boundary layer in a circular area of 321 desired diameter regularly confirming that only the A horizon, with some O if present, is 322 collected. Place the collected soil from each site in a bucket or large bag. It is difficult to 323 collect soil close to a tree or bush due to their root systems, but if microbial diversity is 324 desired, collect plant roots along with the soil and place all samples on ice immediately 325 after collection. If collecting soils on military ranges or near former military ranges, 326 samplers should review their organization’s sampling and safety procedures. Unexploded 327 ordinances could pose a significant hazard and a sweep of the area may be recommended 328 prior to any soil sampling. Special shovels and trowels made from an aluminum bronze 329 copper alloy can be used to prevent an incident if a hazard is found while sampling. 333 Organisms or molecules of interest may percolate through the soil after a rain or snow 334 melt event. Soil samples can be collected from the different horizons to test the extent of 335 contamination and effectiveness of remediation. For sampling within each horizon, a soil 336 auger ranging from 3 to 12 inches can be used. Approximate soil horizon depths can be 337 researched using the web soil survey (Table 2) but should be confirmed in the field. 338 Samples should be collected from roughly the middle of the horizon. For aseptic 339 collection, a sterile spatula can be used to first remove a few cm of soil from the outer 340 330 331 332 8.3 Profile Sampling In this context, profile sampling relates to soil decontamination and remediation.

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