A compact, multifunctional corer for taking soil samples (possibly containing volatiles). The 16-ml (about 25 g) soil samples are cut from above the ground surface. They can then be packed so that they are protected from sorption (without synthetic materials), leakage and diffusion, and are then refrigerated or frozen. Analysis subsequently takes place within 48 hours or two weeks. The methanol conservation method can also be used. An ejector presses the sample directly into methanol. The soil corer can be hammered into stony soil samples without problems. The stainless steel sample tubes do not wear and can (after cleaning) travel everlasting back and forth between laboratory and field.