# Sampling manure: why mixing is so important

Slurry is never the same throughout. Without thorough mixing, you measure whatever happens to be floating on top or lying at the bottom. This is how you get a sample that is accurate.


## Manure separates

In a pit or cellar, the thick manure sinks to the bottom and a layer forms floating on top. In between is thinner manure.

A sample from one spot then says little about the whole pit.


## Mix first

Mix the manure until the whole pit has the same consistency. We take the sample during or immediately after mixing.

That is why we agree on the timing with you in advance.


## At several moments

We take small amounts at several moments or spots and combine them into one sample. This way the sample is a good reflection of the pit.


## Solid manure

With solid manure, the composition varies within a heap. There we take the sample at many spots in the heap, including the inside.


## Samples when manure is removed

When manure is removed from the farm, the haulier takes a sample during loading. Separate legal rules apply to this.

A manure sample from us is intended for you to know for yourself what is in your manure.

## Further reading

- [Have a manure sample taken](https://monsternemer.nl/en/services/manure-sample/): How much nitrogen, phosphate and potassium does your manure contain? With a manure sample, you will know, and you can make better use of your manure.
- [Glossary](https://monsternemer.nl/en/knowledge/glossary/): From Nmin to VEM: the words you come across on a result, briefly explained.
- [From request to result](https://monsternemer.nl/en/how-it-works/): You request sampling, we do the rest.

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Source: https://monsternemer.nl/en/knowledge/sampling-manure/