Soil Sampling Equipment Recommendation:

Option One:

JMC Backsaver N-2 Handle with Zero Contamination Tube ($350-$420)
Best method for plow-layer sampling. Very portable. Footpedal offers extra leverage in dry soils.

Option Two:

JMC Conventional Handle and JMC Zero Contamination Tube ($285-$350)
Inexpensive method for sampling soft soils.

Option Three:

JMC T-Handle, Mallet, and JMC Zero Contamination Tube ($320-$750)
Inexpensive method for sampling hard soils.

Option Four:

JMC Environmentalist's Sub-Soil Probe ($2250-$5350)
Although the sampling tube is 36 inches long, you can use a 12 inch or 18 inch long liner in the tube by blocking off the rest of the tube with a spacer. This probe features a sliding drop-hammer and a foot-operated jack. Great system for all plow layer soils now and even more capabilities later.