Nitrogen Sampling

When we pull Nitrogen samples, we end up with about 3 quarts of soil.  In order to get a representative sample out of that, we push the cores through a mesh sieve shown below.  This allows us to mix the sample thoroughly and take about a cup and a half back to the office to dry.  Drying must be done in 24 hours to arrest microbial action. The samples are spread out on racks and stacked.  When we are done preparing them, we turn on the fan and wait till morning.  They always seem to get dry overnight.  We send about a cup to the lab for testing.  I have sampled for nitrogen for the last 3 days.