An overview of the present state of standardization of soil sampling in Spain

There are no national standard soil sampling guidelines at present in Spain , although a strong need for standardization of sampling activities is evid ent. Some relevant publications dealing with sampling subjects are cited, a nd common practices in sampling and sample pre-treatment carried out in Spa in for basic soil maps, soil fertility and soil contamination are briefly d escribed. The need to standardize sampling protocols and guidelines in Spai n and to harmonize them with those of the EU countries is emphasized. (C) 2 001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.