At this point, you should be able to feel a loss of moisture. Continue drying for intervals of 1 to 2 minutes until the sample feels almost completely dry, stirring between intervals. Weigh the sample to determine weight loss. Now, dry the sample for approximately 30 seconds and reweigh. Repeat the 30-second drying intervals until the weight of the dish plus sample ceases to change.
Different forages require different drying times.
Experience will tell you how much drying time your samples require. To prevent burning, check samples at frequent intervals as they approach dryness. A sample may feel dry, yet contain as much as 10 percent moisture. The only way to ensure a sample is 100 percent dry is to check the weight after each 30-second drying interval. If the weight is still changing, moisture is still being driven off.