Page 159 - Nutrient Management Planning Guide

153

Chapter 4.2

Repeat the procedure below for each of the three composite sub samples being sent for lab analysis.

Sampling Solid Manure or Compost from Stockpiles

Select 15 to 20 points on the pile uniform 1.

distances apart. Include sampling points in the centre of the pile or pack as well as near the edges. To get samples from the centre of a large pile, you may need to use a front-end loader and sample from material in the bucket of the loader.

At each point selected, remove the top crust 2.

layer until a fresh, moist surface is exposed. This layer may be as thick as 30 cm (1 ft) or more.

Use a pitchfork, spade, or manure collection 3.

probe to sample the pile to a minimum depth of 50 cm (20 in) into the pile. When sampling, avoid large chunks of bedding.

Deposit samples in a wheelbarrow. If the amount 4.

of manure collected exceeds the capacity of the wheelbarrow, each time the wheelbarrow is two-thirds full, thoroughly mix the material and one or two shovels full to the pail or suitable mixing area (tarp, plywood, or concrete pad).

Continue collecting until all 15 to 20 points 5.

selected on the pile have been sampled. Store samples in cool (e.g., shaded) location, or cover with a tarp until sampling is complete.

Follow the method described in “Sampling 6.

Solid Manure During Loading”, steps 3 to 9, to develop a composite sub-sample of solid manure.

Repeat steps 1 through 6 until the appropriate 7.

number of sub-samples has been collected.

Handling and Shipping Samples

Large, re-sealable freezer bags are generally suitable for solid manure, while one-litre plastic bottles with airtight closures are acceptable for liquid manure samples. Take measures to prevent leakage by ensuring a tight seal on the bag or container and double bagging as an extra precaution.

Take the following precautions when handling manure samples for analysis:

Fill liquid manure containers no more than two- •

thirds full to provide air space in the container for manure gases and to allow for expansion if the contents are frozen. Keep samples cool by refrigeration or placing on ice •

until they are transported to the lab. Do not allow the samples to sit in a warm environment such as the dashboard of the truck or trunk for longer than a few hours. Transport samples within a day. If this is not •

possible, freeze samples until they can be shipped. Ensure samples spend no more than two days in •

transit. Clearly label all samples with a permanent marker. •

Samples should be labeled with a minimum of farm name, contact information, date and time the sample was collected and type of manure.

Elevated temperatures promote microbial activity and can result in nutrient conversions that alter the analyzed nutrient content of the sub-sample.

s i d e b a r