A Soil Sampler Probe, or a Soil Core Sampler, is a tool used to obtain an undisturbed core sample that can be analyzed for soil profiling. Soil profiling, or sampling, is a process that identifies and assesses the chemical and nutrient qualities of soil, including pH, acidity, and composition. Core samples reflect a history of the soil health and thus provide an unbiased profile of the soil in question. Many soil sample probes are also able to detect soil moisture content. Soil sampling is also an important process in ensuring crop success and profitability. A soil sampler will reveal the quantity and quality of available nutrients in the soil. Then, farmers can make an informed decision about which fertilizers (and how much) are needed for the equilibrium of each crop. 

Regular use of a soil sampler to observe soil quality is a necessary practice that will optimize crop production, aid in the diagnosis of plant culture problems and soil diseases, improve the nutritional balance in which the crop is growing, and protect the environment from contamination by runoff and leaching of excess fertilizers by providing an indication of the appropriate amount of fertilizer needed for crop success.

Once a soil sampler has been used to acquire a core sample, the farmer can evaluate the media results for soil composition like sediment and moisture content. The sample can also be sent via mail to specialized labs for further testing. Soil labs may use specific procedures and computer programs to determine and compare the results of the test with normal ranges of pH, soluble salts, and nutrient levels. Interpretations of data may vary from lab-to-lab, but the most useful interpretations will consider the characteristics of the crop itself, its stage of development, and the frequency of fertilizer application, as well as any noted problems with the crop.