One common challenge faced during soil sampling is obtaining a truly representative sample of the entire field or plot.
Soil properties can vary greatly within a small area due to differences in soil texture, moisture, crop residues, or previous fertilizer applications.
If samples are not collected systematically from different spots and depths, the test results may not reflect the actual soil fertility status.
Poor sampling can lead to incorrect fertilizer recommendations and poor crop performance.
Therefore, it is important to use proper sampling tools and follow a zig-zag or grid pattern to cover the entire area uniformly.