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I am conducting a field experiment using a randomized complete block design. The layout includes 5 blocks, each of equal land area. Within each block, there are 5 plots, and each plot receives a diffe

 
I am conducting a field experiment using a randomized complete block design. The layout includes 5 blocks, each of equal land area. Within each block, there are 5 plots, and each plot receives a different single treatment. These 5 treatments are repeated across all blocks, so each treatment is replicated five times in total—once per block. 

My question concerns sample collection for a single treatment. What is the scientifically valid and recommended method for collecting samples and analyzing data? 

Option 1: Should I collect multiple sub-samples (e.g., three or more) from each individual plot, calculate their average, and then use that mean for statistical analysis? 

Option 2: Or should I collect one representative sample from the treatment plot in each of the five blocks (i.e., one per replicate), and then use the mean of those five samples for analysis? 

Which approach better represents proper replication, minimizes experimental error, and aligns with standard practices in field-based research? 

Agriculture Climate change Nanotechnology Peer Review Soil science
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Elisabetta Ferrara
This is an excellent question about proper sampling methodology in RCBD experiments. To provide the most accurate guidance for your specific situation, I'd like to clarify a few important details: What type of measurements are you taking from these samples (e.g., soil properties, plant biomass, nutrient content, yield components)? What is the size of each individual plot, and how variable do you expect the measured parameter to be within a single plot? Are there any resource constraints (time, labor, or analytical costs) that might influence your sampling strategy?

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Created
07/16/2025
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iftikhar