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Manure Sampling

Follow the steps below when using the trench method to sample poultry litter.

Trench Method for In-Barn Sampling of Poultry Litter

Starting at the centre line of the barn, dig a 1.

trench 15 cm (6 in) wide to the sidewall of the barn (Figure 4.2.7). If feed and water lines run parallel, dig the sampling trench perpendicular so that litter under these areas are adequately represented in the sample. If the barn has an earthen floor, avoid collecting soil with the sample.

Place all litter removed from the trench into the 2.

wheelbarrow. If the amount of litter collected exceeds the capacity of the wheelbarrow, each time the wheelbarrow is two-thirds full, thoroughly mix the material and remove one shovel full and add it to the 20 L (5 gal) pail. Empty the remaining litter from the wheelbarrow.

Continue collecting (and sub-sampling as 3.

necessary) until the trench reaches the opposite wall.

Thoroughly mix the material collected in the 4.

pail. Collect a sub-sample from this composite mixture and fill the plastic bag two thirds full to allow for gas expansion. Force excess air from the bag, seal and double bag.

Label the bag with the date, time, farm name, 5.

manure type and any other information requested by the testing lab.

Adapted from Coffey et al. 2000

Figure 4.2.7 Trench Sampling Method

Sampling During Application

Sampling during application is easier and safer than trying to sample from a pile.

Samples should be taken to reflect variability in the material being applied. If manure being applied comes from several sources (e.g., piles, barns, corrals) composite samples should be developed for each source. The number of composite samples required to get an accurate representation of the manure depends on the variability of the material and the volume to be applied. For volumes less than 1000 tonnes or material of consistent composition a single composite sample may be required. A minimum of three composite samples should be collected for manure volumes greater than 1000 tonnes.

Samples should be collected throughout the manure application process (i.e., beginning, middle and end). In situations where manure application can take several days (e.g., feedlots), separate composite samples can be prepared for each stage of the process or even for each day. When samples are taken over a span of several days, interim storage and handling of samples becomes important. Be sure to protect sampled material from the elements to minimize moisture and nutrient (e.g., N) changes.