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Sampling requires its own metadata describing the what, when, where, and how of sample collection. It is the information typically included in the materials and methods section of a paper. What describes the sampled material (e.g., soil, plant, air). The resolution of when is sample dependent; for example, yield may need only a date or simply a year. Biomass sampling should include a crop‐appropriate growth stage description and biomass properties (C, N, or other nutrients). In contrast, if monitoring gas samples, the time scale may be at the sub‐hour scale in addition to date and hour. Data describing where may include slope position, GPS coordinates, a description of position relative to the crop (e.g., mid‐ or within‐row); soil samples, including for root biomass, should have depth and depth interval recorded. Information related to how the sample was collected includes sampling method, e.g., implement used or if hand collected, whether the sample represents a composite, and frequency of sampling for repeated‐measure parameters. Sample handling and preparation documents details such as drying temperature, sieve size, grinding, and storage conditions (e.g., duration, temperature). These details may not be included in a meta‐analysis but are important for assuring that like data are being compared and that the data meet quality control standards. For example, oven drying instead of air drying will compromise many biological properties. Another aspect of how refers to reporting the methods of analysis. For standard methods, a very brief description and citation may suffice, whereas novel methods should be described with substantially more detail.