Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

Standard Guide for 

Collection of Soils and 

Other Geological Evidence 

for Criminal Forensic 

Applications

Geological Materials Subcommittee

Chemistry/Instrumental Analysis Scientific Area Committee

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science
Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

OSAC Proposed Standard

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils 

and Other Geological Evidence for 

Criminal Forensic Applications

Prepared by

Geological Materials Subcommittee

Version: 1.0

June 2019

Disclaimer:

This document has been developed by the Geological Materials Subcommittee of the 

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science through a consensus 

process and is proposed for further development through a Standard Developing Organization 

(SDO). This document is being made available so that the forensic science community and 

interested parties can consider the recommendations of the OSAC pertaining to applicable 

forensic science practices. The document was developed with input from experts in a broad array 

of forensic science disciplines as well as scientific research, measurement science, statistics, law, 

and policy. 

This document has not been published by an SDO. Its contents are subject to change during the 

standards development process. All interested groups or individuals are strongly encouraged to 

submit comments on this proposed document during the open comment period administered by 

ASTM International (www.astm.org). 
Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for 

Criminal Forensic Applications

1. Scope

1.1 This is a guide for the documentation, collection, and preservation of soil and other 

geological evidence for use in criminal investigations. Sampling for environmental geology is 

outside of its scope. It is designed as a resource for professionals whose job responsibilities 

include the collection and preservation of soil evidence and for forensic scientists to enable them 

to advise crime scene investigators.

1.2 Units - The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Non-SI units are 

also included for the convenience of the guide user.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated 

with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and 

health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards1:

D6966 − 13 Standard Practice for Collection of Settled Dust Samples Using Wipe Sampling 

Methods for Subsequent Determination of Metals

D7296 – 12 Standard Practice for Collection of Settled Dust Samples Using Dry Wipe Sampling 

Methods for Subsequent Determination of Beryllium and Compounds

D7659 – 10 Standard Guide for Strategies for Surface Sampling of Metals and Metalloids for 

Worker Protection

1 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual 

Book of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.

1
2

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

D7144 –05a Collection of Surface Dust by Micro-vacuum Sampling for Subsequent Metals 

Determination

D5755 – 09 Microvacuum Sampling and Indirect Analysis of Dust by Transmission Electron 

Microscopy for Asbestos Structure Number Surface Loading

D5756 – 02 Microvacuum Sampling and Indirect Analysis of Dust by Transmission Electron 

Microscopy for Asbestos Mass Surface Loading

E1188 − 11 Standard Practice for Collection and Preservation of Information and Physical 

Items by a Technical Investigator

E1459 − 13 Standard Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation

3. Terminology

3.1 Definitions: For definitions of terms not listed in Section 3 see the OSAC Lexicon (1)

2

.

3.2 Definitions of terms specific to this guideline:

3.2.1 aggregate(s) [clump(s)], n – a group of soil particles that cohere to each other more 

strongly than to other surrounding particles (2).

3.2.2 alibi location(s), n – a known source of soil and/or other geological material,suggested 

by or linked to a subject (e.g., locations at a subject's home) and distinct from the crime scene.

3.2.3 soil, n – sediments or other unconsolidated accumulations of solid particles (e.g., 

minerals and organic matter) that are produced by the physical, chemical, and biological 

disintegration of parent material and/or which has the ability to support rooted plants in a natural 

environment; and which may or may not include manufactured materials (adapted from 2).

3.2.4 soil horizon, n – a layer of soil or soil material approximately parallel to the land 

surface and differing from adjacent genetically related layers in physical, chemical, and 

biological properties or characteristics such as color, structure, texture, consistency, kinds and 

numbers of organisms present, degree of acidity or alkalinity, etc. (2).

2 The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of this standard
3

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

3.2.5 soil core sampler [soil corer; soil probe], n – a device used to collect virtually 

undisturbed sub-surface soil samples for documenting a soil profile and for environmental 

investigations

3.2.6 soil profile, n – a vertical section of soil exposed from the ground surface to a depth of 

interest. A soil profile may be observed in a freshly dug pit, along a road bank, or in many other 

places (2).

3.2.7 questioned sample - An item located at a crime scene of undetermined origin, that is 

analyzed in an attempt to identify or associate it with a known exemplar or sample. (adapted 

from 1).

Discussion of questioned soil sample – Soil evidence of unknown origin, or questioned soil 

sample, typically consists of: debris adhering to an evidentiary object (tire, wheel well, garment, 

shoe, digging tool); foreign soil left at a crime scene (transferred from a shoe/tire, or adhering to 

a re-buried body/object); or debris recovered from within a body (nasal, stomach or lung 

contents).

3.2.8 known sample - Of established origin associated with the matter under investigation

(1).

Discussion known soil sample – Known soil samples are intentionally collected, typically from 

crime scene or alibi locations, for comparison to a questioned soil sample. Soils are 

heterogeneous mixtures of organic matter and minerals that vary with depth and across the 

landscape.

4. Significance and Use

4.1 This guide describes the goals and techniques for the collection of soils in criminal 

forensic investigations. Examples of the geological materials encompassed in this document
4

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

include: soil, dust, debris, sediment, sand, gravel, etc. These materials are collectively referred to 

as soils throughout the remainder of this document. This guide describes good practices for the 

documentation, collection, packaging, and preservation of forensic soils associated with evidence 

items (e.g., questioned soil samples) and for intentional sampling of soils from known sources 

that may be compared with the questioned samples (e.g., known soil samples from the crime 

scene or other site). Individual agencies might use this guide to develop agency-specific 

procedures regarding the collection of soils for forensic applications. Veneers of fine material or 

dust may be sampled for forensic geological analysis, but will be fully addressed in a companion 

document developed under OSAC-Geological Materials; prior to release of this document, 

ASTM standards for environmental dust collection (D6966 − 13, D7296 – 12, D7659 – 10, 

D7144 –05a, D5755 – 09, and D5756 – 02) may be adapted for forensic dust collection.

5. Overview of Forensic Soil Samples:

5.1 Questioned Soil Samples are soil evidence of unknown origin including: debris adhering 

to an evidentiary object (tire, wheel well, garment, shoe, digging tool); exogenous or foreign soil 

left at a crime scene (soil aggregates transferred from a shoe/tire, or adhering to a re-buried 

body/object); or debris recovered from a body (adhering to skin; beneath finger nails; nasal, 

stomach or lung contents). Questioned soil samples can have probative value in a criminal 

investigation and should be collected, aiming to preserve any intact structures or soil aggregates. 

Questioned soil samples are often very limited in size. Collection of questioned soil samples is 

similar to collection of other types of trace evidence from crime scenes. It is preferable to submit 

soil with the underlying substrate (example: mud-encrusted tire) to the forensic laboratory, but 

guidance for removing questioned soils from objects is provided in sections 7.2 to 7.3 for 

circumstances when submission of the entire object is not feasible.
5

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

5.2 Known Soil Samples are soil specimens collected from an area of interest, typically a 

crime scene, grave site, or alibi location, for the purpose of comparison to a questioned soil. 

Collection of representative known soil samples is significantly more involved than collection of 

appropriate known exemplars of manufactured materials (glass, paint, tape, etc.) because soils 

are composed of complex mixtures of particles which usually vary with distance and depth.

Known soil samples should be collected to be both relevant to the questioned soil(s) and 

sufficient in number and spatial coverage to adequately represent the range of possible soil 

variation within a location of interest. Details of collection of known soils are described in 

section 8.

6. Collection Tools

6.1 Collection tool materials: Tools for forensic soil collection should either be new, 

disposable items (plastic spoons, swabs, wipes, filters) or non-porous tools, cleaned prior to each 

use to prevent contamination from either the tool itself or a previously collected sample. Nondisposable tools for softer materials (unconsolidated sand) may be made of plastic, but for harder 

materials, tools made of hardened or stainless steel are recommended. Examples of some nondisposable tools are shown in FIG. 1. (See section 9.2 for soil evidence packaging materials and 

recommendations.) In general, tape-lifts are not recommended for soil collection, but to remove 

thin deposits from porous materials, low-tack tapes can be used. Do not use high tack tapes or 

those used to lift fingerprints because their strong adhesives prevent soil recovery and analysis 

(3).

6.2 Cleaning tools: In most circumstances, non-disposable tools can be cleaned by rinsing 

with clean water (ideally deionized or distilled) and dried (preferably with a lint free material). 

Alcohol, bleach, or other suitable disinfectant solutions such as Virkon, can be used to help with
6

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

the decontamination of tools used to collect samples with biological components. Do not re-use 

tools that cannot be cleaned. Pre-moistened wipes are convenient for cleaning tools during field 

collections. An item is considered sufficiently clean when no particles are detected on a clean 

cloth used to wipe the tool.

6.3 Tools for collection of questioned soils.

6.3.1 Tools for collection of small quantities of questioned soils: Tweezers, forceps, dental 

picks or palette knives may be used to collect small quantities of soil on an object, or to collect a 

non-native soil aggregate from a crime scene. A spatula and/or spoon may be used to dislodge 

soil from materials like upholstery (FIG. 1A).

FIG. 1 Some common tools used to collect soil evidence. (A, top to bottom) dental pick, microspatula, forceps, and spatula; (B) soil corer (with T-handle and two extension rods); (C) trowel.

6.3.2 Tools for collection of thin deposits of questioned soil: To remove thin soil deposits 

from a non-porous object (example: mud deposited on a wheel well), use: spatulas, ice scrapers, 

clean/new razor blades, or other flat, suitable implements. Pry or scrape the soil deposit loose,
7

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

attempting to keep any soil aggregates intact, and transfer the material into a suitable sample 

container (9.2.2), onto a clean piece of paper, or onto a clean collection pan. The intention is to 

keep the questioned soil aggregate intact and to minimize mixing when removing the soil 

deposit.

6.4 Tools for collection of known soils: In most cases known soils are collected to represent 

the range of soil present at a location. As a result known soils samples tend to be larger than 

questioned soil samples, requiring larger tools such as garden trowels (FIG. 1C), soils corers 

(FIG. 1B), picks, pointed (archaeologist's) trowels, spades, or spoons. A soil corer may be used 

to collect a surface to near-surface soil profile. Smaller tools, such as pallet knives, or tweezers 

may be used to collect soils from within impressions. Use of a spade is recommended to access 

soils from sub-surface, but smaller tools are typically used for collection of known soil 

specimens.

7. Collection of questioned soils

7.1 Collection of questioned soil on object of interest: Objects that have soil evidence 

adhering to them (e.g., shoes, tires, garments) should be collected intact and submitted to the 

forensic laboratory whenever possible. (See 9.2.4 for packaging of soil adhering to objects.)

7.2 Removal of questioned soil from non-porous objects when object cannot be submitted 

intact: Evidentiary soil may occur on the surfaces and in crevices of objects that cannot be 

delivered to the laboratory. Special care should be taken to preserve any depositional (structure 

or layer) characteristics (4,5). Soil dried on a large hard surface, such as a vehicle, should be 

pried or scraped off, while trying to preserve intact aggregates which may have layering. See

6.3.2 for collection tools and 9.2.5 for packaging this type of soil evidence.
8

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

7.3 Removal of questioned soil from porous objects when object cannot be submitted intact: 

Remove soil from porous surfaces, such as upholstery, by gentle scraping with a spatula or 

similar tool, taking care to preserve intact soil aggregates. See 6.3.2 for tools and 9.2 for 

packaging.

7.4 Foreign soil transferred to a crime scene: Foreign soil (or soils derived from another 

location) may be left at a crime inadvertently when the soil material, usually as dried aggregates, 

falls off of shoes, tires, or vehicles. Evidence collection teams should seek foreign soil 

aggregates from locations in or near tire tracks and shoe prints. If foreign soil aggregates are 

found within a shoe or tire impression, soil collection should be done after documentation of the 

impressions by casting, photography or both. After documentation of the impression evidence, 

this questioned soil should be collected along with known soils adjacent to and from within the 

impression. Collect these foreign soil aggregates using a small spoon, pallet knife or tweezers.

7.5 Questioned soil on or within bodies: A living crime victim may have soils on or within 

them (under fingernails, on skin, within nasal cavities, or within the vagina); these soils would 

typically be collected by a medical professional so they are beyond the scope of this document. 

Questioned soil samples associated with a corpse, in particular those soils recovered from within 

a body, are often recovered by a medical examiner or coroner. But evidence collection 

professionals may encounter soil on a body or its garments which are exotic to the body recovery 

site. These soils may be probative as indications of the prior locations of the victim either pre- or 

post-mortem. If permitted, exotic soils should be collected and preserved prior to removal of the 

body from the recovery location. It is important to collect additional known soils from the body 

recovery location as elimination samples (8.4.1.1). If soil cannot be collected from a body prior 

to its removal from the scene, then any visible soil evidence should be documented
9

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

photographically, and appropriate personnel (medical examiners) should be contacted about the 

need to preserve the soil evidence.

8. Collection of known soils:

Known or reference soil samples are purposefully collected to represent the range of soil 

characteristics at a crime scene or alibi location to enable a forensic soil examiner to compare a 

questioned soil to the known soils and conclude if it is possible that the questioned soil could 

have originated from the same source as the known soil(s). Known soils may also be collected as 

reference materials in a soil provenance investigation, but the collection strategies described here 

are primarily aimed at collection for soil comparisons.

8.1 Surface versus sub-surface origin of questioned soils: It is important to try to determine if 

the questioned soil is derived from a surface or sub-surface soil source. For example, soil on a 

shovel may have originated from soil from beneath the surface, whereas soil on a shoe or 

garment is likely to be derived from soil at the ground surface. Prior knowledge of the nature of 

the questioned soil evidence and the crime scene will affect the types of known soil samples 

collected. Unless there is prior knowledge that the source of a questioned soil may be from burial 

sites, holes, river banks, cut banks, or deep tracks or ruts, collection of known surface, rather 

than sub-surface, soils is recommended. (See 8.5 for surface soil collection and 8.6 for subsurface soil collections.)

8.2 Background information: Acquire background information prior to the collection of 

known soil samples to aid in the selection of appropriate known soils samples. The types of 

background information that can be gathered include: case information (for example: is digging 

relevant?; is it known where the suspect/vehicle may have been walking/driving?), soil survey 

information, geological survey information, appropriate maps (including geo-political,
10

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

topographical, road, vegetation, land cover, geological, and soil survey maps), and the exact 

location where the questioned sample was collected, including geographic (GPS) coordinates or 

equivalent such as total-station or orthogonal drone imagery.

8.3 Minimizing environmental alteration: Soil evidence and other related materials (such as 

botanical evidence) may be subject to environmental alteration or degradation over time (3). For 

this reason, known soil samples should be collected and preserved as early as possible in the 

course of an investigation. This does not preclude the possibility of collecting additional samples 

at a later date, but it should be noted that these samples may not represent the materials that were 

present at the time of the crime.

8.4 Known soil sample volume: When possible, collect at least 2 – 3 tablespoons (~30 ml) per 

sample. Coarse-grained and/or lower density materials, such as gravel, pebbles, or soils with 

high botanical content may require a significantly larger sample volume/size. If objects or 

features larger than approximately 2 mm (or about 1/8 inch) are present, attempt to collect a 

volume of soil that is at least 10 times larger in its linear dimensions than the largest grain or 

feature. For example, if soil has 4 mm diameter grains, collect sample volume greater than ~40 

mm x 40 mm x 40 mm, or 64 ml, or about a quarter cup.

8.4.1 Number of known soil samples to collect: The number of known soils samples to collect 

is case- and scene-dependent. While there is no specific minimum number of samples that must 

be collected, some authors have made recommendations regarding appropriate sample numbers 

(6,11). In general, it is recommended to collect a greater number of samples rather than fewer, 

with typically 3 to 20 known soil samples collected depending on the site details.

8.4.1.1 Collection of elimination soils: Known soils from locations, which are not presumed 

to be a likely source of a questioned soil, are important for elimination purposes. Example 1:
11

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

When a digging tool is recovered from a suspect’s home for comparison to a distant burial site, 

elimination soils from the suspect’s yard should be collected as elimination samples, because if 

these elimination samples are similar to the soil on the digging tool the yard must be included as 

a possible soil source. Example 2: When a crime victim has soil on their trousers, collect an 

elimination soil from the victim recovery location to allow comparison to the soiled trousers to 

allow elimination of the recovery site as source of the soil.

8.5 Collection of known surface soil samples:

8.5.1 Strategies for collection of known surface soils: When collecting known soils from a 

location, there are several different strategies which can be employed. The particular strategy 

used will depend upon case circumstances. The strategies in 8.5.1.1 to 8.5.1.3 describe where to 

collect surface soils from an area of interest (crime scene or alibi location) to represent the soil 

variability. (See 8.6 for details about sampling sub-surface soils.)

8.5.1.1 PURPOSEFUL: Collection of known surface soils from identified areas of interest is 

a purposeful collection strategy. Such specific areas of interest may include areas of entry, areas 

of egress, burial sites, areas of disturbance, footwear or tire impressions, areas with visual

(texture or color) similarities to questioned samples, or areas with anomalous appearances 

relative to the surrounding materials. If background information (section 8.2) indicates soil 

variation within the area of interest, intentional collection of soils representing each soil type is 

recommended (FIG. 2). For additional examples of this type of collection, see (4, 6-8).

8.5.1.2 SYSTEMATIC: This approach is a pattern-based technique for the collection of 

samples. A variety of patterns can be used, to include grids, circular patterns, compass points, 

etc. (7,9,10). This technique may be of value when there are no obvious features from which to 

sample (e.g., looking for a burial site or buried object) or for sampling around a single object of
12

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

interest (such as a body) when no other features (such as shoeprints or tire impressions) are 

present. Example: If suspects claim that the soil on their shoes came from somewhere in their 

backyard, and the yard is featureless, a systematic sampling approach may be warranted (FIG. 2).

8.5.1.3 COMBINATION: Many cases may benefit from a combined approach including both 

purposeful and systematic sampling techniques (FIG. 2). When processing a crime scene, a 

systematic approach to sampling minimizes individual bias and ensures that soils will be 

collected from a wide range of locations at the scene. However, purposeful sampling ensuresthat 

soil sample from important features not included in the systematic approach (such as likely paths 

of entry and egress) are also collected (7).

FIG. 2 Example of a combination of purposeful sampling (green circles) along a road and other 

areas of interest combined with systematic sampling (blue circles) around a crime scene.

8.5.2 Site- or Case-specific consideration for known surface soil sampling

8.5.2.1 Sampling known surface soils within low variability sites: In locations with no or low 

visually apparent soil variability, a number of samples should be collected in order to encompass 

potential variations within the soil at the site. Changes in vegetation or topography (slope 

position) often are associated with changes in soil characteristics, so these features may be used 

to guide the collection locations.
13

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

8.5.2.2 Sampling known surface soils within high variability sites: High levels of visual 

variability in a location may require the collection of a larger number of samples to capture the 

full range of variability present at the site. This soil spatial variability could arise from natural 

variations or from land-use and landscaping.

8.5.2.3 Sampling known surface soils within complex scenes: Complex crime scenes will 

require collection of a large number of known soil samples. A crime scene may have complexity 

arising from multiple people or vehicles leaving impressions in the soil or from other caseinformation indicating a large number of points of interest. When a distinct impression is present, 

samples should be collected from an area as close as possible to the impression (7). Once the 

impression has been documented/photographed/cast, samples can also be collected from within 

the area of the impression (sidewalls and floor). If necessary, to avoid any remaining casting 

material, collections can be made from the areas adjacent to the impression as well.

8.5.3 Depth of collection of known surface soils: Collect the from the surface to 

approximately 1 – 2 cm (1/2 to 3/4 inch) depth or to the depth of any existing impressions or 

features of interest, such as tire track or shoe prints (8).

8.6 Collection of known sub-surface soils: Soils vary with depth. Variations may be visual 

(color, structure, and texture) or compositional (chemical, mineralogical, physical, biological, 

etc.). Therefore, in locations where soil has been removed from below the surface, including, but 

not limited to: burial sites, holes, river banks, cut banks, deep tracks, or ruts, known soil 

collections should be made to encompass any variability present with increasing depth (5) (FIG. 

3). Sub-surface soils typically should be collected from undisturbed soil horizons (8.6.3.2).
14

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

8.6.1 Safety concerns for sub-surface soil sampling: When digging with a spade or soil corer, 

consider regulations for avoiding underground hazards, like utility lines (13) and when 

excavations exceed 1.52m (5 feet) follow guidelines to avoid cave-ins (14).

8.6.2 Selection of known sub-surface soils to represent soil variation with depth: Because 

soil properties change with depth, known soil samples from various depths should be collected 

and packaged individually (FIG. 3 and FIG. 4).

8.6.2.1 When differences can be observed between different soil horizons, each horizon 

should be collected as separate known soil samples (right side of FIG. 4, FIG. 5).

8.6.2.2 When no visually distinct layers are present: a systematic sampling technique is 

recommended to make collections throughout the depth of the hole. Samples should be collected 

at regular intervals of approximately 15 - 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) from the greatest depth from 

which soil may have been transferred to the item of evidence.
15

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

FIG. 3 An example of a soil pit with 

visually distinct horizons. During sampling, 

areas of potential mixing, such as the graycolored krotovina (indicated by the oval) 

caused by crawfish burrows observed 

within the red-brown layer just above the 

shale level, should sampled separately for 

the adjacent material. Photograph courtesy

of Dr. Brad Lee.

FIG. 4 An example of a soil pit with 

visually distinct horizons; horizons 

numbered to the right of the photo indicate 

the recommended collection areas/volumes 

to capture each layer and avoid disturbances 

of the neighboring areas. Photograph 

courtesy of Dr. Brad Lee.

8.6.3 Techniques and considerations for sampling sub-surface soils:

If sub-surface soils are being collected from a hole or a burial site, then consider 1) if there are 

impressions of digging tools in the soil, 2) if the hole has been backfilled with disturbed soil or 

foreign material; 3) if decomposition products have contaminated the soil.

8.6.3.1 Collection of tool marks from intact excavation: If an intact soil excavation at a crime 

scene includes tool marks or impressions that might have been made by digging tools, then these 

marks should be documented and, if possible, collected for potential comparison to suspected 

digging tools. After documentation, these tool marks can also be excised and collected from a 

sub-vertical soil face by careful excavation around the impression.

8.6.3.2 Recognition and removal of disturbed soil: If the soil horizon in the depression has 

been compromised, mixed, or cannot be observed, a depth profile may be observed by
16

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

excavating a soil pit in close proximity to the original site, or by digging back the side wall to an 

undisturbed area. This is particularly important at a clandestine grave in which products of 

decomposition often alter the natural soil. Known soil samples should be collected to represent:

1) the undisturbed soil throughout the depth of the profile; and 2) samples of the disturbed soil.

(12) (FIG. 5).

8.6.3.3 Clearing disturbed soil: To maintain the integrity of the soil horizons, disturbed soil 

should be cleared from top to bottom, but soil horizons should be sampled from bottom to top

(FIG. 4) to minimize contamination by soil falling from upper levels.

8.6.3.4 Techniques for collection of sub-surface soil samples: To obtain a representative 

sample from the depth profile, collect samples from each layer or horizon and package them 

separately. To collect a specific horizon either: 1) place a pan, or wide trowel at the bottom of the 

horizon and carve the horizon onto the pan using a rigid tool; or 2) take a core from the side wall 

of the soil pit. If a horizon includes discrete areas which are distinct from the rest of the horizon 

(FIG. 3), collect sufficient volume to represent those variations or collect multiple specimens 

from this horizon.

8.6.3.4.1 Excavation sites on slopes: Sub-surface soil samples from sites excavated in sloped 

areas should be collected from each of the walls of the excavated hole. The locations sampled 

should be clearly described, noting the orientation of the sampled wall relative to the slope (FIG. 

5).

8.6.3.4.2 Samples from bottom of excavation: A representative sample should also be 

collected from the base of any depression or excavation. When a body is present, a sample 

should also be collected from the undisturbed soil at the same depth as the body but adjacent to it 

(FIG. 5).
17

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

8.6.3.5 Exotic soils on buried bodies: During excavation of a buried body, if exotic soil is 

observed on the body, it should be collected as a questioned soil (7.5) (12).

FIG.5 Schematic cross-section of a clandestine grave showing disturbed (11) and undisturbed 

soil (1 to 10), and soil contaminated with products of decomposition of remains. The blue boxes 

indicate possible soil volumes for sampling.

9. Documentation, preservation, and packaging of samples:

Proper documentation, preservation, packaging and custodial-continuity of soil samples are 

essential for maintaining the integrity of soil evidence. After collection, it is crucial that soil and 

other geological materials are submitted to the laboratory in a condition that adequately 

represents their original state. Samples should be handled minimally and protected from 

deleterious or structural changes, contamination, and inadvertent loss. To ensure maintenance of 

the chain of custody, sample packages should be properly sealed using tamper-evident methods. 

The recommendations below, specific to soil evidence, should be used with E1188 – 11, E1459 –

13, and agency-specific guidelines for documentation, collection, packaging, and preservation of 

evidence.
18

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

9.1 Documentation – Evaluation of soil or geological evidence requires an understanding of 

the origin and context of the individual samples. Close coordination with the laboratory receiving 

the evidence is highly advised to ensure that all needed information and samples are made 

available to the personnel conducting the examinations. Therefore, the following information 

should be provided whenever possible:

9.1.1 Photographs of the scene and evidence.

9.1.2 Sketches (with cardinal directions) noting the location (and depth if relevant) of 

evidentiary items and collected samples.

9.1.3 Geographic coordinates (GPS) or equivalent of collection site. When possible note the 

datum used and the uncertainty of the coordinates.

9.1.4 Slope and description of topography (flat terrace, mountain side, 5° slope to the SSW, 

etc.)

9.1.5 Individual sample information and documentation:

9.1.5.1 Unique sample identifier (e.g., case number and item number)

9.1.5.2 The date and time of collection.

9.1.5.3 The name of the individual who collected the sample.

9.1.5.4 Precise location and description of the sample collection and the depth from the 

surface. Examples of useful descriptions include: 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches) below the surface 

from the upslope wall of clandestine grave location; front, left (driver-side) tire well; soil 

collected adjacent to footwear impression in photo xxx-yy, 0 to 1 cm depth.

9.2 Preservation and packaging soil evidence: Packaging should aim to minimize loss, 

contamination or alteration of soil evidence. Because evidence with adhering soil may also be
19

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

subjected to non-soil examinations (for example, finger prints or DNA), these recommendations 

for soil preservation should be considered along with recommendations for packaging other 

types of evidence.

9.2.1 Moisture condition of soil: In most cases, questioned and known soils should be air 

dried at ambient temperature prior to final packaging of evidence (3). Soils may be collected 

moist from a crime scene, but unless these soils will be transferred to the person performing the 

soil exam within one day, the soils should be brought to a clean location, opened and allowed to 

air dry. To prevent contamination during drying, clean paper may be loosely draped over the soil 

container (for example, butcher paper, filter paper, lint-free wipes). Do not package and submit 

moist soil evidence to the forensic laboratory without direct communication with the person 

performing the examination. The alternatives to air-drying soils are refrigeration (7) or freezing. 

If shipping moist soils, the outer-most mailing package should be labelled “keep frozen” or 

“keep refrigerated.” Packaging moist soil or moist evidence in paper may lead to package tearing 

during transport.

9.2.2 Sample containers: Samples should be stored in rigid containers that can be sealed 

tightly and which are impervious to corrosion (3). Suitable containers include screw-top plastic 

containers (plastic specimen cups), screw-top centrifuge tubes, and lined paint cans (FIG. 6.)
20

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

FIG. 6: Examples of possible container types that can be used to store soil evidence. (From left 

to right: a screw-top jar, a screw top centrifuge tube, and a urine specimen cup).

9.2.2.1 Discouraged sample containers: There are many sample containers commonly 

available to evidence recovery teams which are not appropriate for soil evidence. Paper 

envelopes and paper bags may rip or leak soil during transport, particularly if the evidence is

moist. Unlined metal cans may rust, particularly when filled with moist soil. Plastic bags are 

discouraged for small quantities of soil due to particle adherence to bag sides, but may be used 

for larger samples. Glass containers should only be used if they are carefully padded for 

transport.

9.2.3 Swabs used for the collection of samples should be dried, if needed, and then placed in 

a size-appropriate, sealable container.

9.2.4 Packaging of soil adhering to an object small enough to send to forensic laboratory: 

Questioned soil on a garment, shoe, tire, or digging tool, should be packaged (ideally when dry) 

and shipped to the crime laboratory intact. Each item should be packaged separately. Packaging 

should encase the object to retain the soil in case the soil falls off during shipping. Once 

enclosed, the object should be packaged with padding and supports to minimize movement and 

abrasion during transport, which could dislodge the soil.
21

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

1 cm

9.2.4.1 Packaging large, sharp objects, like spades or picks, present unusual problems 

because, unless they are well-secured and padded within the shipping container, the sharp ends 

may pierce the enclosing packaging material. After enclosing a large digging tool in plastic 

sheeting or very heavy paper, the tool can be immobilized with zip-ties to cardboard, or with a 

rifle evidence box.

9.2.5 Packaging and preservation of soil aggregates with layers: When packaging soil 

aggregates to preserve their layers and structures (FIG. 7), enclose the aggregate within clean 

paper. Use cotton balls or another filler material to pad the sample within its container to prevent 

breakage during transport. The filler material selected must not include anything containing 

geological materials, such as vermiculite, which may compromise analysis. Place the padded soil 

aggregate in a rigid container.

FIG. 7: A soil sample with multiple layers evident. Care should be taken during packaging to 

preserve the layer structure during shipping/transport from the field to the laboratory. Photograph 

courtesy of Marianne Stam.

9.2.6 Separate boxes for questioned and known soils: Once soil evidence is documented and 

sealed in individual containers, place questioned items in a separate box(es) from known soil 

samples prior to shipping to minimize the risk of cross contamination should one of the 

individual sample containers rupture during shipping.
22

Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal

Forensic Applications

10. References

(1) “OSAC Lexicon” http://lexicon.forensicosac.org/Term/Home/Index, accessed 2019

(2) Soil Science Glossary Terms Committee, Glossary of Soil Science Terms, Soil Science 

Society of America ,Madison, WI, 2008, p. 92. https://www.soils.org/publications/soilsglossary.

(3) Murray, R. C., “Evidence Collection”, in Chapter 6 of Evidence from the Earth: Forensic 

Geology and Criminal Investigation, second edition, Mountain Press, Missoula, MT, 2004, 

pp. 104-111.

(4) Brown, A. G., Smith, A., and Elmhurst, O., “The Combined Use of Pollen and Soil Analyses 

in a Search and Subsequent Murder Investigation,” Journal of Forensic Science, Vol 47, No. 

3, 2002, pp. 614-618.

(5) Skinner, D. N. B., “Sampling Procedures in Forensic Earth Science,” New Zealand 

Geological Survey Report G129, 1988.

(6) Demmelmeyer, H., and Adam, J., “Forensic Investigation of Soil and Vegetable Materials,”

Forensic Science Reviews, Vol 7, 1995, pp. 119-142.

(7) Pye, K., Geological and Soil Evidence: Forensic Applications, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 

2007, p. 356.

(8) Ruffell, A., and Wiltshire, P., “Conjunctive Use of Quantitative and Qualitative X-Ray 

Diffraction Analysis of Soils and Rocks for Forensic Analysis,” Forensic Science 

International, Vol 145, 2004, pp. 13-23.

(9) McKinley, J., and Ruffell, A., “Contemporaneous Spatial Sampling at Scenes of Crime: 

Advantages and Disadvantages,” Forensic Science International, Vol 172, 2007, pp. 196-

202.

(10) Thanasoulias, N. C., Piliouris, E. T., Kotti, M. S. E., and Evmiridis, N. P., “Application 

of Multivariate Chemometrics in Forensic Soil Discrimination Based on the UV-Vis 

Spectrum of the Acid Fraction of Humus,” Forensic Science International, Vol 130, No. 2-3, 

2002, pp. 73-82.

(11) Pye, K., Blott, S. J., Croft, D. J., and Carter, J. F., “Forensic Comparison of Soil Samples: 

Assessment of Small-Scale Spatial Variability in Elemental Composition, Carbon and 

Nitrogen Isotope Ratios, Colour, and Particle Size Distribution,” Forensic Science 

International, Vol 163, No. 1-2, 2006, pp. 59-80.

(12) Brown, A. G., Smith, A., and Elmhurst, O., “The Use of Forensic Botany and Geology in 

War Crimes Investigations in NE Bosnia,” Forensic Science International, Vol 163, 2006, 

pp. 204-210.

(13) OSHA standard 1926.651, “Specific Excavation Requirements”, Safety and Health 

Regulations for Construction, 1926 Subpart P, Excavations, https://www.osha.gov/lawsregs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.651, Accessed 2019

(14) OSHA standard 1926.652, “Requirements for Protective Systems”, Safety and Health 

Regulations for Construction, 1926 Subpart P, Excavations, https://www.osha.gov/lawsregs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.652, Accessed 2019.