Composite sampling method for soil microbiome and microbial abundance analysis

Composite sampling is a statistical technique that involves collecting and analyzing composite samples, which are formed by combining individual samples from multiple sources (Lancaster and Keller-mcnulty, 1998).

In the present article, an overview of composite sampling methods has been described, which is a very useful method for the analysis of microbial abundance and core microbiomes from various environments (Fig. 1). This is an advantageous method compared to traditional sampling methods. It highlights the potential benefits of composite sampling in terms of cost reduction, time efficiency, and increased precision in estimation. Moreover, composite sampling enables the collection and analysis of a representative sample of a larger population. For instance, in coastal areas, composite sampling may involve collecting a number of smaller samples from different locations within the study area and then combining them to form a single composite sample. This composite sample can then be analyzed to determine the overall characteristics of the population. It is a useful tool for studying the characteristics of populations in coastal areas and can help reduce the cost and complexity of collecting and analyzing large numbers of individual samples over the huge geography of the country. Soil, sand, beach samples, sediment and rock samples can be collected through this method. All collected samples must be stored and transported to the laboratory under cooling conditions in dry ice for further downstream processing. When samples arrive at the laboratory, all samples must be cleaned to remove debris, litter, stones, roots of plants, hair, and remnants of animal origin. Cleaned samples can be used for measurement of moisture content and pH of the sample using standard protocols. Hence, this article serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners interested in understanding and applying composite sampling methods. It provides a comprehensive overview and covers various aspects of the design, estimation, and implementation of composite sampling techniques for soil microbiome and microbial abundance analysis.