Properly designating sampling zones is key to reliable soil analysis In the traditional approach, soil sampling zones, with an area of no more than 4 ha, take the shape of a regular grid. In reality, however, it often happens that sectors designated in this way do not reflect the actual diversity of the soil mosaic. Only the proper determination of sampling locations allows for its reliable characterization. The innovative approach assumes the division of the field into zones based on its actual diversity visible in satellite data showing the vegetation index or data obtained as a result of electromagnetic soil scanning. Both methods, although different in many aspects, allow for precise capture of soil variability. The information obtained with their help allows for the separation of internally consistent soil sampling zones and can also be used, among others, to designate field management zones.