The science of soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and ecological research. This laboratory manual, Hands-On Guide to Soil Sampling & Fundamental Soil Analysis, has been developed to provide students, researchers, and practitioners with a practical and comprehensive resource for mastering the essential techniques used in soil investigation. Designed with clarity and precision, the manual combines foundational scientific concepts with hands-on methodologies that are critical to understanding soil properties, classification, and their relevance in agricultural and environmental systems.

This manual encompasses a wide range of carefully structured experiments covering mineral identification, rock classification, soil profiling, physical and chemical property determination, and advanced laboratory instrumentation techniques. Each experiment has been crafted to not only build analytical skills but also to promote a deeper appreciation of soil’s role in ecosystem functioning and sustainable land use. Emphasis has been placed on standard scientific protocols, safety practices, and interpretative skills, aligning with national and international recommendations such as those from ICAR, USDA, and FAO.

The manual also reflects a growing need to integrate theoretical knowledge with field-based applications, particularly in light of emerging challenges such as land degradation, climate change, and soil fertility decline. By encouraging scientific inquiry through observation, experimentation, and interpretation, this manual serves as a stepping stone for students to engage in meaningful agricultural research and innovation.

We gratefully acknowledge the academic support and mentorship received from the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT), Ayodhya. We hope this manual will serve as a valuable tool for capacity building, scientific learning, and knowledge dissemination in the field of soil science.