5A soil scientist analyzing a 120-acre farm finds that 40% of the land is clay-rich soil, 35% is loamy soil, and the rest is sandy soil. If she collects two samples per acre from clay and loamy soils, but only one sample per acre from sandy soil due to lower variability, how many total soil samples does she collect? - Appfinity Technologies
5A Soil Scientist Analyzes 120-Acre Farm: Precision Sampling Reveals Key Soil Distribution
5A Soil Scientist Analyzes 120-Acre Farm: Precision Sampling Reveals Key Soil Distribution
A recent comprehensive soil analysis conducted by a leading 5A soil scientist reveals critical insights into the distribution of soil types across a 120-acre farm—information vital for precision agriculture and sustainable land management. The study found that the farmland consists of:
- 40% clay-rich soil
- 35% loamy soil
- 25% sandy soil (leftover after summing the first two percentages)
Understanding the Context
To capture representative data while optimizing fieldwork efficiency, the scientist employed a tailored sampling strategy:
- Two soil samples per acre from clay-rich areas
- Two samples per acre from loamy soils
- One sample per acre from sandy soils, due to lower spatial variability
Calculating Total Soil Samples Collected
-
Clay-rich soil:
40% of 120 acres = 0.40 × 120 = 48 acres
Samples: 48 acres × 2 per acre = 96 samples -
Loamy soil:
35% of 120 acres = 0.35 × 120 = 42 acres
Samples: 42 acres × 2 per acre = 84 samples
Key Insights
- Sandy soil:
Remaining area = 120 – (48 + 42) = 30 acres
Samples: 30 acres × 1 per acre = 30 samples
Total soil samples collected:
96 (clay) + 84 (loamy) + 30 (sandy) = 210 soil samples
This structured, data-driven sampling approach underscores the importance of matching sampling intensity to soil variability—a best practice for accurate field assessments and informed agricultural decision-making. By collecting 210 carefully targeted samples, the 5A soil scientist ensures robust, reliable data to support optimal crop management and soil health strategies across the entire 120-acre farm.
