Handy Soil Sample Tool
 

This may be old hat for many, but I thought I would mention it anyway.

The handiest tool I've used for taking soil samples is an inexpensive and compact bulb planter like the one in this link.

https://www.amazon.com/Bond-9509-Ply...s=bulb+planter

when I pull soil sample's I try to get mine as far away from the metal part of a shovel
I have seen rust come off a shovel and alter readings

so heads up on these too, once the powder coating comes off
just food for thought here for anyone that cares ?

https://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Bentle...l+bulb+planter :)

It works. I've been using a garden spade.

I will probably try something else next year. The past two wheat conferences, the extension service has mentioned the need to account for soil fertility down further in the soil profile than what was previously thought necessary.