Sampling Protocols

The protocols in this sampling series are a field reference for soil and insect sample collection as part of the California All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI).

Samples of soil, litter, and insects are collected to characterize the biodiversity across California.  Each field sampling effort should aim to capture as much biodiversity per sample as possible. The goal of this sampling protocol is to sample sites comprehensively and document as many species as possible. Thus, this protocol does not require strict adherence to methods for statistical consistency such as a stratified sampling design. 

Protocols developed thanks to Stillwater Sciences, California Academy of Sciences, University of California Davis, University of California Santa Cruz, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Society for Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN), Soil Biodiversity Observation Network (SoilBON) sampling protocols, and others. 

Protocols in this sampling series include:

Downloadable PDFs

• Introduction

• Materials, Site Selection and Best Practices

• Leaf Litter Sampling

• Soil Sampling

• Insect Sweep Net Sampling

• eDNA Sampling

• Survey123 Data Collection App

• CalATBI Logistics Map