Prior to sample collection, the plot must be divided up into separate equal-sized subplots. The number of subplots is the total number of composite samples required, as given in part 7037.2700, subpart 2. A composite sample must be collected from each subplot as follows: all surface litter must be scraped off, cores of the surface soil must be taken to a depth of eight inches at 15 randomly selected locations within the subplot and placed in a clean plastic bag, mixed thoroughly, and a single subsample removed of sufficient quantity for analysis of the required parameter or parameters. This plastic bag must be kept sealed when samples are not added to it. Once the composite sample is collected, the sample must be preserved for laboratory analysis as described in part 7037.2900, subpart 1, item B.
Minn. R. agency 167, ch. 7037, pt. 7037.3400
Statutory Authority: MS s 116.07