Pre-Sample Prep & Shipping
Sampling and Shipping Timings
Timing: Plan sampling on weekdays to ensure delivery within 24-48 hours, avoiding delays over weekends or holidays.
Labeling: Clearly label the outside of each Ziploc bag or at least a half-liter bottle with the following details:
- Farm name
- Date and time of sampling
- Name of collector
- Source of the sample
Documentation: Prepare an envelope with all necessary details, including sample information and payment confirmation, to accompany the shipment.
Shipment Timing Guidelines
- Liquids: Ship samples overnight whenever possible to ensure delivery within 24 hours of sampling. This helps preserve microbial activity and accuracy of analysis.
- Solids (Soil, Compost): Aim to ship samples within 24 hours of sampling. If necessary, shipping within 48 hours is acceptable, but sooner is always better to maintain sample integrity.
Timely shipping is crucial to ensure reliable and accurate results.
Envelope Label Instructions
Ensure the following details are clearly written on the envelope accompanying your sample shipment:
- Farm Name
- Contact Person (Name and preferred method of contact)
- Date Sampled
- Type of Sample (e.g., soil, compost, liquid, etc.)
- Additional Notes (Any relevant information about the sample or special instructions)
Proper labeling ensures accurate processing and analysis of your samples.
Packing Instructions
Seal Just Before Shipping:
- Seal all samples shortly before shipping to maintain freshness and allow microbes access to oxygen, which is essential for their survival.
Space Allowance for Solids:
- Ensure that solids occupy no more than 1/3 of the space in the sample bag to allow for adequate air circulation.
Space Allowance for Liquids:
- Ensure that liquids occupy no more than 1/3 of the space in the bottle to provide room for air and prevent microbial suffocation during transit.
Proper packing is critical to preserving the integrity and activity of your samples for accurate analysis.
Sampling Protocols
Sampling Guidelines for Soil, Compost, and Windrows
Use an Apple Corer or Similar Tool
- Draw samples from at least three cores to ensure accuracy and representation. An apple corer can be a practical tool for this process.
Prepare the Sampling Area
- Clear the surface of mulch or debris.
- Collect soil from the top 3-5 inches, focusing on the active soil layer.
Collect Samples from Multiple Locations
- For compost or windrows, gather samples from at least three different sections and depths to account for variability.
Combine and Mix
- Place the collected samples into a bin and mix thoroughly to create a uniform sample.
- Take a subset of this mixture and place it in a sample bag for analysis.
Separate Samples by Area
- For different sampling areas, prepare and label separate bags to avoid cross-contamination.
By following these steps, you ensure a representative and reliable sample for microbial analysis.
Guidelines for Shipping Liquid Extracts and Bioteas
Shipping Requirements:
- Samples must be shipped overnight to ensure delivery within 24 hours of collection.
Sample Collection:
- Collect at least 100 ml of the sample.
- Include approximately 10 ml of extract bubbles to capture microbial diversity.
- Wait and collect carefully to ensure maximum microbial diversity.
Bottle Filling:
- Use a half-liter bottle and fill it to a maximum of 1/3 capacity to allow room for air circulation and breathing.
Packing Instructions:
- Pack loosely to allow for slight movement during transportation, which promotes air exchange and maintains microbial activity.
Following these steps ensures your liquid extracts and bioteas arrive in optimal condition for analysis.