Page 153 - Nutrient Management Planning Guide

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Chapter 4.2

Follow the steps below to get a representative sample during application.

Sampling Liquid Manure During Application

If sampling from the flow of manure as it is 1.

being pumped from storage into the applicator, take several samples from the pump outlet.

If sampling from a drag hose system or tank spreader in the field, collect samples from the injectors as they are lifted from the ground or from a tap near the pump.

If sampling from broadcast spreaders or irrigation applicators, use buckets or catch pans randomly placed in the field. This method of collection provides a good picture of N loss through volatilization during surface application.

Combine all samples into one composite 2.

sample, in a 20 L (5 gal) pail or other plastic container, and mix thoroughly.

Withdraw a sub-sample from the pail and put 3.

it into the plastic bottle. Ensure the bottle is no more than two thirds full to allow for expansion from manure gas or if the contents are frozen (if freezing is required prior to shipping for analysis). Secure the lid to prevent leakage.

Label the plastic bottle with the date, time, farm 4.

name, and manure type, and seal in a plastic bag in case of leakage. Keep sub-samples cool and transport immediately to the lab for processing. If samples cannot be transported on the day of collection, freeze them until transport is possible to stop nutrient transformation reactions and the buildup of gases.

Sampling from Storage

If sampling from a multi-stage storage system, only sample the lagoon to be emptied. When taking a sample directly from a liquid storage facility, make sure the material is thoroughly agitated for two to four hours using an agitation pump or other equipment designed for this purpose. Agitation mixes the different layers and re-suspends the nutrient-rich sludge layer.

Assemble one of the sampling devices described in Figure 4.2.3. Collection from storage will also require:

20 L (5 gal) plastic pail or larger plastic garbage can • clean, plastic bottle with screw-on lid •

Follow the steps below to get a representative sample from a storage facility.

tip

Avoid sampling at the beginning and end of pumping, as these samples are less reflective of the storage than those taken midway through the pumping process. A good rule of thumb is to collect one sample for approximately every 1,000,000 L pumped.