| When we receive your samples, you will be given an account
number and your samples will be given a Lab I. D. number, which
will follow them throughout their testing. When testing is complete,
a full written report will be sent by fax and mail along with
an invoice for the services performed.
Information to send with sample.
 | Company Name |
| Contact Name |
| Mailing Address |
| Phone Number (s) where you can be contacted |
| Fax Number, if available |
| Email address |
| Purchase Order Number (if needed by your Accounting Department) |
| Facility Name |
| Name of Sample (s) |
| Type of Analysis to be Performed |
| Explanation of problem areas or intended use. |
| Contact address if different than billing. |
For samples originating from outside the USA, include our USDA
Import Number, S-76747. This number is needed for the
sample to clear US Customs. You must also have the soil
permit and soil import labels.
All samples from outside the US will have a disposal fee associated
with them.
Pointers on Shipping
| Please send one gallon of each sample
to be tested. |
| Pack the sample tightly inside the shipping container,
newspaper works well. If it can move around it may break open. |
Ship Samples to:
Thomas Turf Services, Inc.
11183 State Highway 30
College Station, TX 77845
Attn: Bob Yzaguirre
Phone: 979-774-1600
Stock Pile Sample
When collecting samples for analysis, it is critical that the
sample be representative of the entire stockpile, green, or
other area being sampled. This can best be done by collecting
numerous sub samples from the area and mixing them in a large
container such as a clean 5-gallon bucket. After thorough mixing,
you should remove and package the required amount of sample
for submission. A detailed procedure for stockpile sampling
has been assembled by the USGA & can be viewed by clicking
HERE. One gallon volumes of gravel and/or sand per sample
and one quart of organic amendment are needed. For soil fertility
analysis, send one pint per sample. Water sample analysis requires
two quarts of water. All material should be packed separately
and securely. All lids should be taped to prevent accidental
opening and spillage during shipment. Strong plastic bags inside
strong cardboard boxes or metal cans are satisfactory. Each
bag or container should be clearly marked on the outside with
the sample name, facility name, and company name. Labels put
inside bags are often ruined by the moisture of the soil. The
more information that you can send, the better. If sending a
pesticide contaminated sample, it should be packaged in a clean
glass or metal container.
Core Profile
For existing facilities, you may want to send core profile
samples. The best way to collect profile samples is to take
an 18 inch length of 3 or 4 inch diameter PVC pipe. Bevel one
edge to make a cutting edge, and put two half inch holes about
1 inch below the other end of the pipe. Place the pipe on the
soil surface in the location to be sampled, lay a block of wood
on top and drive the pipe into the ground to the desired depth.
If possible, go through the root zone material, the gravel,
and into the sub base. This plug of sub base material will help
retain the sandy root zone mix in the tube while you pull it
out of the ground. Slipping a piece of 3/8 inch rebar through
the two holes in the upper end of the tube will make a convenient
handle to use for pulling up the pipe. Once the core is out
of the ground, stuff newspaper into the vacant portion of the
pipe to prevent the soil core from shifting during the shipment
and either tape the ends closed or tape end caps on the pipe.
Label each pipe with the location sampled and which end is the
top. The pipes may be shipped individually or you may put several
in a box and send them as a single unit. If you only want to
test the upper 4-6 inches of the profile, you can use a cup
cutter to take a plug and put it directly into a plastic bag.
Wrap and package these carefully to try to keep them intact
during shipment. At least two cup cutter samples from each location
will be necessary to provide adequate sample volume.
Water Sample
Water samples from the irrigation system can be taken from
a hose plugged into a quick coupling connection on the golf
course. Sampling should be conducted when the irrigation system
is active to be sure that the sample is free of stagnant water
and is representative of the water actually being applied to
the golf course. Clean glass mason jars that are commonly used
for home canning are commonly sold at grocery stores and make
good sample containers. Avoid using used soft drink containers
as they often contain large amounts of phosphorous. If sampling
a lake or pond, samples should be taken at several locations
and depths if possible. These should be composted together and
a sample of the composite should be sent for analysis. If suspended
material (sediments) is important then you may want to sample
before and after a rainfall or other events that may alter the
sediment load of the water.
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