Crop Clinic

Sub divide fields into units no greater than 10 acres (4 ha); subdivision may also be necessary to take account of differences in soil type or previous cropping history, especially in respect of potato varieties.

Submit a field plan to show any subdivisions. Using a “probe corer”, take samples randomly on a “W” configuration; the corer should be driven vertically downwards into the soil to obtain the sample.

Take enough samples to provide about 500g soil. Clean the coring tool between sampling different  fields or parts of fields. Where seed potato land is being sampled prior to a Scottish Government statutory test, concentrate sampling on areas around gateways, gardens, field depressions, old potato clamps and groundkeepers or self set  potatoes to increase the chances of detecting small infestations.

Place soil from each sampling unit into a heavy gauge polythene bag; secure bag with tie to prevent cross contamination. Record details relevant to sample in and on the bag. Note: Do not place written details on paper with wet soil.