Testing - Questions and Answers

1. How do I take soil samples for testing?
2. How do I take undisturbed core sample for testing?
3. What is the USGA™ protocol for quality control testing on a construction job?

1. How do I take soil samples for testing?

• Submit a 1 gallon sample of every material together be tested. Small quantities of materials may not be representative of the entire mix and can lead to misleading interpretations of the results.
• Samples should be taken from several places in the pile and should be taken with probes to get samples from inside the piles. Mix all samples thoroughly to eliminate any chance of a non-representative sample.
• Place composite soil sample in 1 gallon Zip-Lock plastic bags. Seal bag and put into second Zip-Lock bag with top of first bag at the bottom end of the second bag. Seal second bag. Double bagging will lessen the chance of sample bag opening and spilling before reaching lab.
• Straight sand samples should be taken, mixed and bagged as described above.
• Mark all samples so that they are easily identified. Using a black permanent marker to write on the plastic bags will usually be the best method of marking the sample.
• For existing greens, use soil probes and sample to the depth of the rootzone, usually 12 inches. Take approximately 10 probes for each green, from various locations on the green. Mix the sample thoroughly and place the composite sample in double Zip-Lock bag 8 as described above.
• Send sample to: DAKOTA Analytical, Inc. 1503 11th Ave. NE East Grand Forks, MN 56721 Phone: 701-746-4300 Fax: 218-773-3151.
• Test results will take 1-5 business days from date received depending on the tests requested. Results will be faxed to you upon completion of all tests requested and hard copies can be mailed to you if requested. Please include the company name, contact person, phone, fax, tests requested and whom to bill with the sample.

2. How do I take undisturbed core sample for testing?

• Cut 2" PVC pipe into a section long enough to reach 6 inches into the green. The PVC pipe diameter must be 2" to fit our equipment.
• Sharpen one end of the pipe to penetrate the green.
• Drill 2 holes opposite each other near the tip of the opposite end of the pipe so that a metal rod can be inserted as a handle to remove the core.
• Pound the PVC pipe into the green. If greens are old push-up greens, pound the pipe as far as it will go (6" minimum).
• Remove the core, pack each end with paper, tape both ends with duct tape, and pack cores securely for shipping.
• Send samples to:
  DAKOTA Analytical, Inc.
  1503 11th Ave. NE
  East Grand Forks, MN 56721
  Phone: 701-746-4300
  Fax: 218-773-3151
• A complete Rootzone Analysis will be performed on the top 3" core. This includes a physical analysis (ASTM F1815), complete particle size analysis (ASTM F1632), organic matter analysis minus the top 1/4" layer (ASTM F1647, method 2), pH and USGA recommendations for putting green rootzone mixture.

3. What is the USGA™ protocol for quality control testing on a construction job?

Visit the following USGA™ Web site to view their recommendations: http://www.usga.org/turf/course_construction/green_articles/putting_green_guidelines.html