Summary
This review synthesises methodologies for soil sampling in microbiological research, highlighting critical inconsistencies that undermine data comparability and reproducibility across studies. The authors identify deficiencies in temporal characterisation, site documentation, depth strategies, and sample preservation practices, and advocate for the development of harmonised, globally accepted protocols. The work underscores that standardisation of soil microbiological sampling is essential for generating robust ecological insights and enabling large-scale spatial comparisons.
UK applicability
UK soil microbiologists and agro-ecologists would benefit directly from harmonised sampling protocols, particularly for longitudinal studies of soil health under different management regimes (organic, conventional, regenerative). Adoption of standardised protocols would strengthen the evidence base for UK soil health monitoring programmes and improve alignment with European and international soil science initiatives.
Key measures
Sampling timing protocols, site selection and georeferencing practices, sampling depth strategies, composite sampling procedures (subsample number, plot size, litter treatment), aseptic techniques and tool sanitation, sample transport and storage conditions, temporal variability in microbial communities
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises current soil sampling methodologies for microbiological analysis and identifies key inconsistencies in sampling timing, site selection, depth, and sample handling protocols. It proposes recommendations for harmonised, globally accepted sampling standards to improve reproducibility and data comparability across studies.
Topic tags
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