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 evident. Some relevant publications dealing with sampling subjects are cited, and common practices in sampling and sample pre-treatment carried out in Spain for basic soil maps, soil fertility and soil contamination are briefly described. The need to standardize sampling protocols and guidelines in Spain and to harmonize them with those of the EU countries is emphasized.