NWCA 1 of 2
Segments 1-9
Welcome to this collection of training videos on NWCA soil sampling techniques. These brief segments walk through the procedures for sample collection and handling—a great refresher before hoing back into the field, or just to learn more about NWCA sampling. For more detailed training videos on NWCA sampling, click here.
Identifying the Plot Location
Learn how to pick an appropriate spot to sample.
Fill Out Your Labels
Filling out labels properly is simple, but it matters. Hot tip: fill out your labels in advance where it's clean and dry—like at the car or even the night before.
Soil Isotope Sampling
Tips on getting an accurate 10-cm sample with your syringe in real-world conditions.
Standard Core Depth Sampling
Real-world tips on using the metal rings you also use for bulk density samples.
Excavating Your Soil Pit—Thick Vegative Cap
Some sampling sites feature thick vegetation. Here are some pointers on working with that thick vegetative cap and re-filling the hole later."
Excavating the Site—Tools
Get your tools and techniques ready for excavation.
Preparing the Soil Face and Distinguishing Horizon Boundaries
Tips on differentiating among horizons and spotting redoxomorphic features. Tip: teamwork helps when preparing the soil face and recording observations.
Describing Horizons—Textures
Great recap of techniques for assessing organic vs. mineral soils and describing characteristics of soils.
Roots and Rock Fragments
Estimating and recording large debris rather than sending it to the lab..
