Field Work
The Essential 'dirty' work. Our research requires collecting samples from all different regions, soil types and plant species.
Custom Designed Equipment
Until such time as our data sets and technologies are so advanced that predictions can be unquestionably relied upon for accuracy, field work and data collection is essential.
In our harsh Australian climate, that task is not always easy. For soil samples we must account for an array of physical constraints. Sandy soils, clay soils, duplex soils...all soil types present their challenges. Through trial and error (and some broken equipment), at Lambda we have worked hard to devise a field unit that enables us to achieve consistent and reproducible sampling over the widest range of soils in varied conditions.
The quality of analytical results are dependant on transparent and repeatable sampling.
The Process
List of Services
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Desktop StudyList Item 1
Before setting foot in the field we first devise a sampling plan. This involves a desktop study of the location, gathering legacy data, soil tyoes epected, and any liasing with project developers and landholders.
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Site VisitList Item 2
Where possible, we do a preliminary site visit to ensure the information gathered in the desktop study is appropriate. This step often involves drone footage.
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GPS LocationsList Item 4
Once we our preliminary work is complete, we geolocate our exact sampling points, map them in our GIS application, and load the data into our mobile GPS devices.
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LIMS - BarcodingList Item 3
The project must then be entered into our LIMS system logging the types of analysis methods required, sample point locations,sample preservations and barcode generation.
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Soil Coring
Our soil coring expedition is now deployed. An intact core is drilled at each GPS located point, extracted onto the vehicle work bench, and scanned, divided and barcoded according to the workflow previosly enetered into our LIMS system.
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Core Preservation or Separation
Depending on the workflow, samples are either kept in full cores or divided, sealed and refriderated ready for transport.
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Labelling, Storage & Blockchain
Storage varies dependant on the project and also stage of the project ie. sampling round. In some instances a sample is pelletised for permenant storage and intended for a blockchain.
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Delivery to the Lab
As soon as possible, sample are delivered to the lab. In the case of large, remote sampling rounds, samples are sent or couriered ahead of the sampling team. Upon arrival at the lab sample are processed and prepared for analysis.
