SAMPLE COLLECTION MANUAL
ECOLOGICAL MONITORING BRANCH
Guidelines for Collecting Field Samples:
Soil
Crops
Water
Sediment
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Pesticides Programs
Benefits and Field Studies Division
Washington, D.C.
aly 1976
Second Printing, March 1979
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PREFACE
PESTICIDE MONITORING is a study of the fate of pesticides after
application, and is defined as the repeated sampling and analysis of
selected environmental components to determine estimates of pesticide
residue levels in those components and assess the changes in these
levels over time.
* * *
MAINTAINING SAMPLE INTEGRITY -
No chemical analysis can be better than the sample on which it is
based. The task of procuring a representative sample presents a chal-
lenge, first to the sampler in the field, then to every person involved
with that sample until the final analysis results are known.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION — 1
GENERAL PROCEDURES 2
Cooperator Contacts 2
Addresses and Mailing Instructions 4
Checklist of Equipment and Supplies 5
Sanitation 7
Labelling and Submitting 9
SAMPLING OF ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA 11
Soils 11
Cropland and Non-cropland 11
Urban - — 12
All Soils 12
Water - 18
Sediment 20
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAMPLING OF SPECIFIC CROPS 22
APPENDIX I - INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING EPA FORM 8550-2—33
APPENDIX II- DEFINITIONS - —37
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INTRODUCTION
The National Soils Monitoring Program and the Urban Monitoring
Program were initiated to assess the levels of pesticide residues and
their degradation products in major land use categories of the United
States. The original sampling network was established by USDA bio-
metricians and has been continued by EPA. Sites were randomly selected
in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service from their Conser-
vation Needs Inventory (CNI) sites.
The program's objectives are to:
1. Determine levels of pesticides and associated compounds in agri-
cultural, nonagricultural and urban soils and, through periodic sampling,
to determine changes in these levels over time.
2. Determine the pesticide residue levels in crop's grown on treated
soil and in other environmental components directly related to the soil.
3. To provide a basis for initiation of special monitoring studies on
demonstrated problem areas.
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GENERAL PROCEDURES
Cooperator Contacts
For sites which have been sampled before, the names, addresses
and telephone numbers of landowners or operators will generally be
available. Good public relations is essential in programs which
rely on landowner cooperation. Keep in mind that you will probably
be the only contact these people have with this program and most of
their opinions will be formed from their experiences with you. Proper
identification should be carried at all times and should be shown as a
routine procedure. This is particularly important when sampling in
urban areas, where people might be less willing to talk with strangers.
When visiting the owner or operator to gain permission to sample,
the following points should be covered:
1. The site on his or her property was selected at random to be included
in an environmental study of pesticide residues.
2. Cropland or Noncropland: The site to be sampled is only 10 acres.
Urban: The sampling site is only 50 x 50 feet.
3. Cropland or Noncropland: Fifty soil cores, 2 inches in diameter by
3 inches deep, are required for the sample. When available, a crop
sample will also be collected.
Urban: The sampling team will collect a number of small (1 inch in
diameter by 3 inches deep) soil cores from the site.
4. The site will be re-sampled periodically to determine any changes
taking place.
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5. The landowner's identity will remain anonymous when the samples are
analyzed and the resulting information is published.
6. The information collected by the monitoring programs is one of the
means used by EPA in determining the best way of regulating pesticides
to provide maximum benefits from their use, while minimizing their
hazard to our environment.
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Addresses and Mailing Instructions
Ecological Monitoring Branch
NSMP Staff: Ann E. Carey, Soil Scientist, Project Officer
Alan Nielsen, Agronomist
Telephone: (FTS) 202/755-8060
National Soils Monitoring Program
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
TS-768
Washington, D. C. 20460
Addresses for Shipping Samples:
Air Freight/Air Express: DO NOT USE ZIP CODE
EPA-Technical Services Division
Pesticides Monitoring Laboratory
Bldg. 1105, NASA/NSTL
Mississippi
Destination: Airport-GPT
(on arrival-Airport, call: 864-6161, ext. 3212 or 3172)
First Class Mail:
EPA-
Pesticides Monitoring Laboratory
Bldg. 1105, NASA/NSTL
Bay St. Louis, MS. 39529
ATTN: SOILS MONITORING
Address for Correspondence to Laboratory:
EPA-.
Pesticides Monitoring Laboratory
Bldg. 1105, NASA/NSTL
Bay St. Louis, MS. 39529
ATTN: SOILS MONITORING
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CHECKLIST OF EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
Supplies and Equipment
Samplers:
core puller
sediment sampler
water pump
hand scythe or
pruning shears
Support Equipment:
stainless steel bucket
(or galvanized bucket
and aluminum foil )
stainless steel sieve
with tray
stainless steel scoop
neoprene gloves
measuring tape
(optional)
camera and film
Sample Containers:
see specific crop
instructions
one-quart mason jars
with lids or PCB-free
containers
(when heavy metal
analyses will be done)
1/2-gallon cans and lids
(when no heavy metal
analyses will be done)
1-quart glass jars with
styrofoam holder
Cleaning Supplies and
Equipment:
wire brush
isopropyl alcohol
pressure alcohol sprayer
tap water
pressure water sprayer
Cropland and
Noncropland Soil
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Urban Soil
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Crops
X
X
X
Water and
Sediment
X
X
x (sed
X
x (sed
x (wat
x
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CHECKLIST OF EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES (Continued)
Supplies and Equipment
Miscellaneous Supplies:
EPA Forms 8550-2
aluminum foil
masking tape
strapping tape
pencils
envelopes
shipping boxes
padding for shipment
city maps
site maps
paper for new site
maps
Cropland and
Noncropland Soil
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Urban Soil
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Crops
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Water and
Sediment
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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Sanitation
Every person collecting samples for residue analysis must con-
stantly be sanitation conscious. A little carelessness can result in a
"little" contamination which can lead to large errors in results.
Maintain the integrity of a sample by developing.a systematic,
step-by-step procedure in taking samples and executing the proper
cleanups to avoid contamination.
* * *
Because the samples being collected will be analyzed for pesti-
cides, RGB's and/or heavy metals, they should NOT come into contact
wi th:
PESTICIDES - or pesticide-contaminated supplies or equipment.
METALS - other than stainless steel (or aluminum foil).
PCB's - do not use plastic bags unless they are PCB-free.
Do not use felt-tipped marking pens which may contain PCB's.
* * *
1. Clothing - Clothing, gloves, and shoes that have been exposed to
pesticides should not be worn when sampling. Particular caution should
be exercised when sieving soil. Lined, neoprene work gloves, or nitrile
latex gloves are satisfactory for use when sieving and mixing soil but
must be washed thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol and air dried between
samples. Gloves worn in sampling crops can easily become contaminated,
but may be used to sieve soil if thoroughly washed first with isopropyl
alcohol and allowed to dry.
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8
2. Vehicles - Vehicles that have been used to haul pesticides should
not be used when collecting samples.
3. Equipment
a. Sample Containers (metal cans, PCB-free plastic or glass
jars) -Whenever possible, these should be cleaned before going into the
field. They should be thoroughly rinsed with water and then isopropyl
alcohol and allowed to dry thoroughly before use. Empty sample con-
tainers should be transported in closed boxes or other means to prevent
contamination before use.
b. Working Areas where samples are sieved and packed should be
covered with aluminum foil (dull side UP). Discard foil after packing
and use fresh foil for each site.
4. Tools - All sampling tools and equipment must be thoroughly cleaned
before the first use each day and immediately after sampling each site.
Scrub with a wire brush and water, then rinse with isopropyl alcohol.
Use enough so the solvent runs off.
Sampling tools and other equipment should be transported in a
closed box or other means to prevent contamination before use. If tool
contamination from road dust, etc., occurs, wash off tools with water
and solvent at sample site before use.
5. Storage Areas
Sampling equipment and supplies must not be stored in a building
used for storing pesticides.
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Labelling and Submitting
Be sure that each sample submitted is clearly labelled. Crop
samples should be labelled so they can be paired with their corres-
ponding plant and (or) soil samples.
Label sample containers with State, County (or Metropolitan), and
Site codes, date, and name of contents. For this label, use a pencil on
a strip of masking tape. Be sure to attach the label before leaving the
sample site.
Three copies of the completed Pesticide Analysis Worksheet, EPA
Form 8550-2, are required for each sample. Carbon paper is not needed.
Instructions for filling out this form can be found in Appendix I. An
envelope containing the yellow copy of the form must be securely fastened
to the side of the sample container with masking tape or placed in the
bag with crop sample. Label this envelope with the same information
placed on the container itself, i.e., the State, County (or Metropol-
itan), and Site codes—plus the date and contents. Care should be taken
to place the correct label on each sample.
Example:
State
County
000
Site No.
0000
00
Material - 001
Date - 7-17-76
Other Material:
1 container field corn
1 bag cornstalks
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10
The pink copy of Form 8550-2 should be retained for your files and
the white copy should be sent separately to the Pesticides Monitoring
Laboratory. This will indicate that the site has been sampled in case
any samples are lost in transit.
It is very important that all forms used in conjunction with
sampling be completed in detail. These forms are permanent records. The
"Remarks" sections should be used for recording any information pertinent
to the sample or site that is not reported elsewhere, particularly
anything that is unusual.
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SAMPLING OF ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA
The importance of collecting representative samples cannot be
emphasized enough. Because every square foot of soil cannot be exam-
ined, the only alternative is to sample a portion of the soils we are
interested in. The selection of these portions must then be in such a
manner that all parts have an equal chance of being selected.
The following guidelines have been drafted to insure that each
sample is taken as any other sample of its kind and that any portion has
an equal and independent chance of being included in the sample.
Soils
Cropland and Noncropland:
Soils should be sampled at, or shortly before, harvest on sites
where crops are collected. Noncropland sites can be sampled almost any
time when the ground is not frozen. Sites being resampled should be
sampled during the same month, if. possible, that the site was sampled
originally.
Fifty soil cores, 2 inches in diameter by 3 inches deep, will be
taken from each 10-acre site. Cores should be spaced as uniformly as
possible over the sampling site. Do not take cores within 45 feet (15
paces) of site borders. In a row crop situation, take half of the cores
within crop rows and half of the cores between crop rows.
Assuming a site is 935 feet by 466 feet, five rows of 10 cores each
can be collected as follows: take the first core near a corner of the
10-acre site (15 paces in from each border); proceed up the site taking
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12
a core every 31 paces (93 feet); after taking the tenth core, move 31
paces across the plot and proceed back and forth down the plot taking a
core every 31 paces; progress down the field until the 50 cores have
been obtained (see Illustration 1).
If the above procedure is not appropriate for certain sites, make
the necessary adjustments. Do not take cores from fence lines, turnrows,
headlands, or farmsteads.
Urban:
Urban sites can be sampled almost any time that the ground is not
frozen. Metropolitan areas being resampled should ideally be sampled
during the same month the city was originally sampled.
Establish a sampling area of 2500 square feet. A 50 x 50 foot site
is preferred, but other dimensions can be used to fit the sample site.
Determine 16 core locations on an evenly-spaced 4x4 grid over the site
(Illustration 2). Distance between core locations can be measured or
paced off. At each core location, take 4 soil cores (1 inch in diameter
by 3 inches deep) at 90° angles a few inches from the core location.
For All Soils:
Collect the cores in a large container such as a galvanized 3-
gallon pail, lined with aluminum foil (dull side up) or a stainless
steel bucket. Do not use containers previously used for pesticides
under any circumstances.
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13
ILLUSTRATION 1. HYPOTHETICAL 10-ACRE SAMPLING SITE SHOWING CORE SAMPLING
466 feet
^ ^ Stop Start
31
paces
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14
ILLUSTRATION 2
50 feet
4
I
I
i
I
i
4
0)
o>
<*-
o
in
i
•
O = Core Location
• = Core
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15
ILLUSTRATION 3
Ring
Lid
Shiny side
Aluminum foil
Jar
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16
Return to the vehicle and pass the composite soil sample through a
1/4-inch mesh screen three times to facilitate uniform mixing. Force
lumps of soil through the screen but discard stones, roots, twigs,
grass, and other debris that will not pass through the screen. Use
lined neoprene gloves or the gloves provided, and wash them thoroughly
with water followed with an alcohol rinse and air dry between samples.
In some instances, composite samples of soil may be too wet to pass
through a screen satisfactorily. When this is the case, the composite
sample can be taken to the samplers' office or motel room, spread out on
new extra heavy gauge aluminum foil, and allowed to air dry just enough
so that it can be passed through the sieve. Do not dry soil in direct
sunlight, and do not allow it to become "bone dry."
Obtain a representative sample of the screened soil by spreading
the soil out on the sieve tray or aluminum foil and taking small portions
at random with a spoon or metal flour scoop until the sample container
is filled with the mixed, screened soil.
Seal the sample container with an airtight lid. If metal containers
are being used, use the provided lid. With PCB-free plastic or glass
containers use a teflon liner (if provided) or aluminum foil (dull side
toward sample) as shown in Illustration 3. Sample containers that are
shipped under limited permit must also have the lid taped on. Label lid
and side of container as previously described.
Complete EPA Form 8550-2 for each sample (for instructions on
completing this form, see "Labelling and Submitting" and Appendix I).
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In packing the samples for shipment, adequate padding for glass or
PCB-free plastic containers is absolutely necessary. When a container
is. punctured or broken in shipment, the sample cannot be used for residue
analysis. The time spent in collecting and field-processing the sample
has been wasted.
Newspapers, excelsior, styrofoam or a similar inexpensive packing
material may be used. If newspapers are used, wrap each container
individually with a few layers of paper. Then place them in a strong
box which is generously padded with crumpled newspaper. The containers
should be well-protected, from banging into each other and from bumps to
the outside during handling and shipment. Seal the boxes with strapping
tape, especially at seams. Ship the sample(s) to the Pesticides Moni-
toring Laboratory as quickly as possible.
Clean all equipment thoroughly as described under "Sanitation"
before proceeding to the next site.
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Water
A water sample will be collected at the site only when specified in
the current work plan. The sources to be sampled are springfed ponds or
reservoirs that receive water only from quick runoff after a heavy rain.
Ponds whose water sources are streams will not be sampled. The pond
nearest to the site (within a one-mile radius) is to be sampled, ir-
respective of drainage patterns.
Use sample containers which have been thoroughly cleaned before use
as outlined in the "Sanitation" section.
Take water samples near the bank or edge of the source. Use a hand
pump to draw subsurface water directly into the one quart glass sample
jar. To collect a representative sample, gradually move the intake hose
back and forth and up and down in the water with the inlet breaking the
surface at random but never extended so low as to collect mud from the
bottom. Collect water from several places in the pond. Secure the
exhaust hose in the neck of the sample container.
The intake hose should be fastened to a pole that will comfortably
reach bottom. The inlet of the hose should be fastened far enough from
the end of the pole to avoid drawing bottom sediment. When sampling
anything but very shallow ponds, the end of the intake hose can be drawn
up into a U with the tip fastened to the pole. This arrangement would
completely eliminate drawing bottom sediment into the sample.
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19
Extreme care should be taken to guard against roiling the bottom
sediment. The objective is to collect the water in its existing condition.
Flush tap or well water through the pump and hoses between samples.
If tap or well water is not available, flush water through the pump from
the next sampling site prior to filling the sample jug.
Complete EPA Form 8550-2 for each water sample. For instructions
on completing this form, see Appendix I. Place the yellow copy of Form
8550-2 in an envelope and tape to the outside of the sample container.
Label the envelope with the complete site number, the date of sampling,
and whether or not a sediment sample was also collected. The white copy
of the form should be sent separately to the Pesticides Monitoring
Laboratory; the pink copy should be retained for your files.
Be sure to note the following under "Remarks" on the initial Form
8550-2:
1. Size of pond.
2. Type of pond (man-made, natural, etc.).
3. General description of the pond's watershed.
4. Location in relation to the site.
5. Adjacent crops.
Send water samples to the Pesticides Monitoring Laboratory at once.
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Sediment
A sediment sample should be collected every time a water sample is
taken. The water sample must be taken before the sediment sample. The
sediment should be collected near where the water was taken but need not
be in the exact location. Use the dredge type, weighted sampler (Illus-
tration 4). Throw the sampler into the water source and drag it up with
a cable. Empty into a galvanized pail lined with aluminum foil (dull
side toward sample) or a stainless steel pail. The composite sample
should consist of a- least 10 "grabs" of sediment.
Use a clean stirring tool such as a large cooking spoon to thor-
oughly mix the sediment. If necessary, pass once through a quarter-inch
mesh screen to remove leaves, twigs, etc. After mixing, allow the
sediment to settle out and then decant the water. Transfer a repre-
sentative portion of the mixed sediment into a new, clean, one-quart
sample container and seal with an airtight lid.
Complete EPA Form 8550-2 for each sediment sample, place the
yellow copy in an envelope, and tape to the outside of the sample
container. Label the lid and side of the container (on tape) and the
envelope with the complete site number; the date, and information that
can be used to relate it to the water sample taken at the same time.
The white copy of the form should be sent separately to the Pesticides
Monitoring Laboratory, the pink copy should be retained for your files.
Forward samples at once to the laboratory.
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ILLUSTRATION 4. SEDIMENT SAMPLER
T
4"
1
11"
18"
33"
Material List
A—4" x 11" x .058" thick stainless steel tube (capped)
B—30" x 3/8" steel rod
Bore holes in bottom end of "A" to allow water to drain
» U. 3. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1973— 514-1S«/3'1
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAMPLING OF CROPS
Time of Sampling:
Samples may be taken any time between several days before harvest
and harvest time. The objective is to take samples when the edible
portions of plants are at or near the stage when they are either harvested
for marketing or normally used for food or feed.
Sampling Sites:
Sample site may be moved slightly to fit a field. The field sampled
should have 8 to 10 acres in one crop. If a 10-acre site has 8 or 9
acres in one crop and 1 or 2 acres in another, sample soil and crops
.only from the 8 or 9 acre block. If more than one crop is being grown
on the 8. to 10 acre site and the site cannot be modified as just described,
sample soil from 10 acres but do not sample crops. Every effort should
be made to adjust the site so that crop samples can be obtained. Do not
sample farmsteads; extend the. site in another direction to maintain
proper acreage.
Precautions:
1. It is essential that special care be taken to prevent damage
to the standing crop.
2. Plant material must not come into contact with soil. Any soil
on plants at time of sampling should be shaken loose after air-drying.
3. Do not leave crop samples in a hot car or truck for extended
periods of time.
4. Do not allow crop or soil samples to dry in direct sunlight.
5. Aluminum foil should be used to cover all work surfaces.
The shiny side must not come into contact with samples.
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6. Do not send rotting samples under any circumstances. Wet or
damp samples should be air-dried before wrapping unless they are to be
frozen.
7. Very perishable samples (as indicated under specific crops)
should be chilled or frozen as soon as possible and kept in that condition
enroute to the laboratory. (See instructions for specific crops. Do
not freeze unless instructed to do so.) Dry ice may be packed with
samples to keep them frozen if it is wrapped securely in heavy paper.
Dry ice should not be packed in glass, metal or airtight containers.
Freezer paks may be packaged with perishable samples to keep them
chilled without freezing. (These are usually flat plastic bottles
containing a jelly-like substance which can be frozen in a regular
refrigerator freezer and used to keep picnic foods, etc., chilled. They
should be available in drug and department stores.)
8. All samples should be sent to the laboratory at once (by air
mail, if possible). Perishable samples should be marked clearly,
"PERISHABLE, PLEASE RUSH".
Sampling:
Where entire plants are collected and the roots are not a necessary
part of the sample (as with col lards, corn, or beans for shelling) cut
the plants approximately two inches above the soil surface. Crop
samples should be representative of plants or plant parts normally
consumed by humans and livestock in size, quality and maturity. (See
"Sampling of Specific Crops" for details.) Collect crop samples adjacent
to corresponding soil cores. In a row crop situation, 1/2 of the soil
cores (every other core) should be taken between the rows and 1/2 within
the rows (i.e., within 6 inches of the plant on either side).
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24
When a site is located in an orchard, fruit should be sampled if
the trees are of fruit-bearing age. Any other crop that might be
growing on the site should be noted under "Sampling Remarks" on form
8550-2. If the orchard is new and has not yet come into bearing, the
other crop growing on the site (if any) should be sampled and "orchard"
should be noted in the remarks. Dp_ rust assume that small trees are too
young to bear fruit. They could be dwarf varieties and should be
sampled just prior to harvest as with any other crop.
Reimbursement for Crops:
Sampling personnel are authorized to pay growers a fair price for
crop samples. Payment should be made in cash, and receipts should be
submitted with travel vouchers for reimbursement.
Packing Crop Samples for Shipment:
Sample Preparation: Samples should be prepared as indicated for
each crop. In general, most perishable samples should be chilled or
frozen as soon after sampling as possible and retained in that condition
during shipment by using dry ice, cold packs, etc. Other samples should
be air-dried before packing to prevent rotting or molding during shipment.
Wrapping: See "Sampling of Specific Crops" for type of wrapping
required for each crop.
aluminum foil - Always use so that the shiny side does not touch
samples. Wrap samples individually or in groups, whichever is more
practical, but make sure that the wrapping is secure and covers samples
completely so as to prevent contamination.
paper bags - Aluminum foil-wrapped samples should be placed in
paper bags. Where possible, the composite sample for each site should
be packed in one bag with the yellow copy of form 8550-2. (See below).
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25
The bag should be stapled closed and labelled clearly (using a #1 or #2
pencil) with state and county names, state-county-site codes, date of
sampling, contents, and kind and number of related samples from the same
site (e.g., soil, corn grain, cornstalks). Do not pack samples from
different sites, or more than one kind of material in the same bag. See
special instructions for soft and easily damaged -samples.
shipping cases, boxes or crates - Bagged samples should be packed
securely in boxes or other containers suitable for shipment to the
laboratory. Use strapping tape or filament tape to seal boxes, especially
along seams. Label outside of boxes with complete site code and material
name.
metal cans - Some samples should be packed in new 1/2-gallon or
one-gallon paint cans as specified for individual crops. The cans must
be clean (use alcohol) and thoroughly dry before samples are placed in
them. Tape the envelope containing the yellow copy of form 8550-2 to
the side of the can. Also label the outside of can with complete site
code and material name on a piece of masking tape.
ice cream cartons - Berries and cherry tomatoes are very soft and
perishable and should be shipped chilled (tomatoes) or frozen (berries)
in new ice cream cartons. Drop fruit gently into cartons to avoid
crushing. The ice cream cartons should be packed in boxes with padding
surrounding them.
Special Instructions for Easily Damaged Samples:
For soft samples such as grapes, tomatoes, peaches, etc., special
care should be taken in packing for shipment. Wrap each fruit or bunch
of fruit gently with aluminum foil and then pack into a suitable container
with plenty of packing material to prevent damage during shipment.
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26
Pack the fruit firmly so that it cannot move, but not so tightly that it
will be bruised. Place the yellow copy of form 8550-2 in the box with
samples. Label carton "DO NOT CRUSH" and indicate the proper side up.
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SAMPLING OF SPECIFIC CROPS
(Important: read general crop sampling instructions
before using this section!)
Artichokes
Asparagus
Beans (for shelling,
including peas, lima
beans, dried beans, etc.
not soybeans
Beans, snap
also edible-podded
peas
Beets, red
Berries (all,
including strawberries)
Broccoli
Collect one fruit every other time a soil core
is taken (25 buds). Chill, if possible.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag,
shipping case.
Collect one stem near every other soil core taken
(25 stalks). Chill, if poss.ible.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag,
shipping case.
Cut one plant every time a soil core is taken (or
enough to yield 1/2 gallon shelled beans).
Air dry; shell beans. Discard all plant material
except beans.
Packing: Place in new 1/2 gallon can.
Collect a small handful
core is taken. Air dry
Packing: Aluminum foil.
of fruit each time a soil
or chill.
paper bag, shipping case.
Collect one beet where every other soil core
is taken (25). Remove and discard tops.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping
case.
Collect a small handful of ripe berries adjacent
to each soil core taken. Carry a flat of new
one-quart ice cream cartons and place berries
directly into these cartons as they are picked.
Freeze samples. Mark perishable.
Packing: One-quart ice cream cartons, shipping
case.
Collect one spear each time a soil core is taken
(50 spears). Chill samples. Mark perishable.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag,
shipping case.
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Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cantaloupe
Carrot
Cauliflower
Celery
Corn, field & sweet
Cotton
Collect 3 or 4 sprouts from plant closest
to each soil core taken (150-200 sprouts).
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag,
shipping case.
Cut one head every eighth time a soil core
is taken (6 heads).
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping case,
See melons.
Collect one carrot where every other soil
core is taken (25).
Remove and discard tops.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping
case.
See cabbage.
Cut one bunch every eighth time a soil
core is taken (6 bunches) Keep samples
chilled. Mark perishable.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping case.
Collect one plant every third time a soil
core is taken, beginning with the first
core (17 plants). Ears: Remove 8 to 10
lengthwise rows of kernels per ear.
Stalks: Air dry; cut stalks into 6 to
10-inch lengths, thoroughly mix and retain
3 pounds as the sample.
Packing: Corn grain—new 1/2 gallon can.
Sweet corn kernels must be kept frozen or chilled
and should be marked perishable.
Corn stalks—aluminum foil, paper bag,
shipping case.
Sample a mature cotton plant every third time
a soil core is taken, beginning with the first
core (17 plants). Where average plant height
for the site does not exceed 3 feet, take
the entire plant. Where average height is
greater than 3 feet, cut branches from the
main stalk, uniformly sampling the top, middle
and bottom one-third of each plant.
Packing: Remove all open bolls; wrap with
aluminum foil and place in a paper bag,
then in a shipping case. Cut plants or
plant parts into 6-to 10-inch lengths,
retaining the green bolls. Air dry and mix.
Wrap 3 pounds of this composite sample with
aluminum foil and place in a paper bag,
then in a shipping case.
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Cucumber
Eggplant
Forage
Fruits, tree
all, including
citrus, pomes, stone
fruits, etc.
Garlic
Grains, small
including barley,
buckwheat, millet,
flax, rice, rye,
wheat, wild rice, etc.
Grapes
Hay
Gather one mature cucumber every fourth time
a soil core is taken (12). Chill, if possible.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag., shipping
case.
Collect one eggplant every seventh time a
soil core is taken (7).
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping
case. Use packing material to prevent damage
during shipment.
Sample when available. See hay.
For small fruits such as cherries, collect
3-6 fruits every time a core is taken. For
larger fruits, collect one fruit every other
time a soil core is taken (25). Keep chilled.
Packing: Pack fruit gently and securely in
suitable container to prevent injury or
contamination during shipment. Mark perishable.
Collect one bulb each time a soil core is
taken. Remove and discard tops.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping
case.
Cut a handful of plants adjacent to each of
the fifty soil cores. Cut heads from straw.
Packing: Heads should be packed separately
from straw. Wrapping: aluminum foil, paper
bags, shipping cases. Subsample straw to
3 Ibs., if necessary.
Collect one bunch every eighth time a core is
taken (6 bunches). Keep chilled.
Packing: Aluminum foil; pack securely in
shipping container (not too tightly). Mark
perishable.
Sample near the end of growing season, but
before the last cutting. Cut small handfuls
of plants adjacent to each soil core. If
vegetation is sparse, take forage within
one square yard with the core site as the
center. Air dry, mix thoroughly and retain
3 Ibs. for sample.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping case.
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Leafy vegetables
including chicory,
collards, endive, escarole,
field cress, kale, leaf
lettuce, mustard greens,
parsley, spinach, Swiss
chard, watercress, etc.
Lettuce, head
Melons, including
cantaloupe,
honeydew, watermelon,
etc.
Nuts
(except peanuts)
Oil seed crops
(castorbeans, sesame,
safflower, sunflower)
Okra
Onion
Peas
Peas, edible podded
(snowpeas, Chinese peas)
For small plants, gather leaves from one
to three plants each time a soil core is
taken. For large plants such as collards,
gather one plant every fourth soil core.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping
case. Keep chilled. Mark perishable.
See cabbage. Keep chilled. Mark perishable.
Collect one melon every seventh time a soil
core is taken (7 melons). Keep chilled.
Packing: Aluminum foil, shipping cases.
Collect several mature nuts each time a soil
core is taken.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, box.
Collect one cluster of castorbeans or sunflower
seeds and two sesame or safflower plants each
time a soil core is taken.
Thrash the seed.
Packing: New 1/2-gallon can.
Collect one okra each time a soil core is taken
(50).
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, box.
Collect one mature onion where every other soil
core is taken (25). Remove and discard tops.
Allow onions to air dry slightly before
packing. Shake off soil particles.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping
case.
See beans (for shelling).
See beans, snap.
Peanuts
Collect one plant every other time a soil core
is taken (or enough to yield 1/2 gallon of
shelled peanuts). Air dry. Shell peanuts
and retain hulls and vines.
Packing: New 1/2 gallon metal container for
peanuts. Aluminum foil, paper bag, box
for hulls and vines.
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Pepper,, bell
(sweet)
Pepper, hot
Peppermint
Potatoes, sweet or
white
Pumpkin
Radishes
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Scallions
(spring onions)
Silage, corn
and sorghum
Sorghum, grain
Collect one pepper every fifth time a
soil core is taken (10 peppers).
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, box.
Use packing material to prevent damage.
Keep chilled. Mark perishable.
Collect one hot pepper each time a soil
core is taken.
Packing: Aluminum foil, box. Keep chilled.
Sample as for hay.
Collect one potato where every other soil
core is taken (25).
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, suitable
container. Chill, if possible.
Gather one pumpkin every seventh time a
soil core is taken (7).
Packing: Aluminum foil, suitable container.
Collect two radishes each time a soil core
is taken (100). Remove and discard tops.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, box
Chill, if possible.
Collect one stem at every other soil core
taken (25 stalks). Chill.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping
case.
Collect one rutabaga every fourth time a soil
core is taken (12). Remove tops and discard.
Packing: Aluminum foil, suitable container.
Collect 2-3 plants each time a soil core is
taken. (100-150). Shake off as much soil as
possible. Keep chilled. Mark perishable.
Packing: Aluminum foil, plastic bag, cloth bag.
Collect one stalk with every third soil core,
beginning with the first (17 stalks). Cut
stalks into 6 to 10-inch lengths. Thoroughly
mix, air dry and retain 3 Ibs. as sample.
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping
case.
Collect one plant every third time a soil core
is taken, beginning with the first (17 plants).
Remove heads. Air dry. Cut stalks into
6- to 10-in lengths. Thoroughly air dry,
mix and retain 3 Ib. sample.
Packing: Pack heads and stalks separately.
Wrapping: aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping
case.
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Soybeans
Spearmint
Squash, summer
(yellow, white, zucchini)
Squash, winter
(acorn, butternut,
hubbard, etc.)
Sugar beets
Tobacco
Tomatoes
Tomatoes, cherry
Turf
Turnips
Cut one plant every time a soil core is
'taken (50 plants). Collect enough plants to
yield 1/2 gallon of shelled beans. Air
dry; shell beans.
Packing: Beans—new 1/2 gallon can.
Vines—aluminum foil, paper bag, shipping
case.
Sample as for hay.
Summer squashes should be harvested when
small and tender. Gather one squash every
other time a soil core is taken (25 squash).
Packing: Keep chilled. Aluminum foil,
paper bag, box.
Winter squashes should be harvested when
mature. Collect one mature winter squash
every seventh time a soil core is taken (7 squash)
Packing: Aluminum foil, cases suitable for
shipment.
Collect one sugar beet adjacent to every fifth
soil core (10 beets). Remove tops;
keep chilled.
Packing: Beets—wrap individually with aluminum
foil and pack in shipping case. Tops—aluminum
foil, paper bag, shipping case.
Collect one ripe leaf every other time a
soil core is taken (25 leaves).
Packing: Aluminum foil, paper bag, box.
Collect one tomato every fifth time a soil
core is taken (10). Keep chilled. Mark
perishable.
Packing: Wrap individually in aluminum foil
and pack carefully in suitable container.
(Use packing material to protect fruits.)
Collect 3-4 cherry tomatoes every time a soil
core is taken (150-200). Keep chilled.
Packing: New one-quart ice cream cartons,
suitable shipping container. Mark perishable.
Do not sample turf unless specific instructions
are given to do so. If sampling of turf is
specified, follow instructions for hay.
Collect one turnip every other time a soil
core is taken. Remove tops and freeze.
Packing: Pack tops and roots separately.
For both: aluminum foil, paper bag, box.
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APPENDIX I
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF EPA FORM 8550-2
NATIONAL SOILS MONITORING PROGRAM
INTRODUCTION
When completing this form, follow the instructions carefully and
fill in each form clearly with a pencil. DOUBLE CHECK ALL ENTRIES FOR
ACCURACY.
These instructions apply only to Form 8550-2 (Rev. 2-75). The use
of Form 8550-1 will be retained only for the Urban Monitoring Program,
but supplies of these will be sent to appropriate personnel by EMB staff
as necessary.
PROCEDURES FOR FIELD PERSONNEL
EPA Form 8550-2 (use exhibit 1) provides for an original and two
copies as follows: Original (white) - Data Copy
First (yellow) - Laboratory Copy
Second (pink) - Field Copy
The disposition of these copies is:
Pink Copy - retained by field personnel.
Yellow Copy- sent to Pesticides Monitoring Laboratory with
sample.
White Copy - sent to PML separately. This indicates that the
site has been sampled and when the samples were
sent, in case they are lost in transit.
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NOTE: A form 8550-2 must be completed for every sample collected.
SECTION 1. SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION DATA
Spaces 1-10. LEAVE BLANK. This section is completed by
laboratory personnel after the samples are
received.
SECTION 2. SAMPLING DATA
Sampled by. Record an organization abbreviation and your
last name.
Spaces 11-16. Date Sampled
Spaces 11-12. Record the MONTH of sample collection.
Spaces 13-14. Record the DAY of month of sample collection.
Spaces 15-16. Record the last two digits of the YEAR of
sample collection. Example:
| 0 | 8 1 I 5 1 7 | 6 | indicates the sample
was collected August 15, 1976.
Spaces 17-31. Site Number
Spaces 17-18. Record State FIPS (Federal Information
Processing Standards) code. Write out
or abbreviate the State name in the
space to left of 17-18.
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Spaces 19-21. Record FTPS County code. Write out
county name in space to left of 19-21.
For Urban Monitoring Program, use the
metropolitan area code given in the work
plan.
Spaces 22-25. Record NSMP Site code as assigned. All
NSMP sites are 4-digit codes. Be sure to
include zeros. Example:
Site 1 is: Site 0001
Site 21 is: Site 0021
Site 421 is: Site 0421
For Urban Program, use the designated
site code.
Spaces 26-31. LEAVE BLANK.
Spaces 32-33. System Identification. Record N_ S_ as indicated
on form.
Spaces 34-36. Material. Record the appropriate code for
whatever kind of material is included in the
• sample. See list of codes in PM Memorandum
No. 4. Write out material name in space to
left of 34-36.
Space 37. Crop Number. If reporting a soil sample record
"0". The first crop harvested during the
growing season should be indicated by "1", the
second crop harvested in the same season should
be "2", and so on.
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Pesticides Used. LEAVE BLANK.
Sampling Remarks. Write remarks clearly. If there is not
enough space on the form, continue on
a separate sheet identified with State,
County and NSMP site code and crop
number.
Attach to white copy of Form 8550-2.
SECTION 3. SPECIFIC SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS - LEAVE BLANK.
SECTION 4. RESIDUES DETECTED - LEAVE BLANK.
These two sections will be filled in by laboratory personnel.
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APPENDIX II 37
DEFINITIONS
Composite Sample—The entire amount of sample material collected
from a site.
Contamination—--Introduction of pesticide(s) or undesirable
chemicals(s) into sample material during or after
collection. For example, dieldrin could be intro-
duced into a sample material from gloves used in
handling dieldrin, or from the inside of a vehicle
that was not properly cleaned.
Core Site The exact spot where a soil core is pulled.
Cropland Any land on which a crop (including hay or
forage) is actively grown for harvest. Exceptions
are turf (sod) and tree farms.
Crop Sequence-—--The order in which crops are cultivated during
a calendar year. For example, winter wheat
harvested in early summer is first in the sequence;
oats grown on the same site and harvested in the
fall would then be second in the sequence, or if
corn is planted but later plowed up and the land
replanted in soybeans, corn is first and soybeans
second in the sequence.
Noncropland Any land on which crops or forage are not actively
grown for harvest. Includes urban, forest,
rangeland, pasture (unless hay is cut), soil bank,
turf farms, tree farms, etc.
Pesticide Any agent used to control pests (in this program
primarily insecticides, herbicides, acaricides, and
fungicides).
Population As used in this memorandum, the number of possible
10-acre sites in cropland or noncropland in the U. S.
or the possible number of 2-inch diameter spots within
a site from which cores could be taken.
Site Cropland and noncropland: Ten acres selected from
a CNI segment.
Urban: A 50 x 50 foot plot.
Primary Point The point selected at random from the CNI segment
for the locus of a site.
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Sampling Year Any time of the calendar year when sampling can
be conducted.
Secondary Point—Any CNI point (other than the primary point)
that falls within a site.
Segment Generally 100 to 160-acre blocks used in the SCS
Conservation Needs Inventory. Some segments are
40 acres, 400 acres, or 640 acres. Sometimes
referred-to as CNI sites.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of
Marilyn McCall, of the Ecological Monitoring Branch, who typed
the manuscript of this Manual.
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