This makes obtaining a representative manure sample very important. Collecting a manure sample Taking a manure sample at the time of spreading increases your chances of obtaining a representative sample. Collect samples while the storage pit is being mixed. Take samples from several spreader loads while emptying the pit and mix them together to form one composite sample. Do not enter a pit to collect the manure sample.
Dangerous gases are present near the pit surface.
If the pit is not mixed prior to loading the spreader, consider collecting separate composite samples while the pit is being emptied. In pits that are not mixed, manure solids, which contain most of the phosphorus, tend to settle to the bottom. If you apply manure throughout the year, you may want to take samples several times during the year to see if the manure nutrient content changes. Ship samples early in the week to avoid having them sit over the weekend. Freezing or refrigerating the samples prior to shipping helps preserve the samples during transport.