The researchers studied soil properties in a small corn field to see how they vary across different locations. They collected soil samples from different depths and found that properties like soil texture, organic carbon, and nitrogen levels varied across the field. Topsoil had higher levels of certain nutrients compared to deeper soil. The researchers also found a strong link between nitrogen and organic carbon levels, and that soil texture influenced bulk density. Maps created from the data showed differences in soil properties due to farming practices. This information can help design field experiments more effectively and save time and money on lab analyses.