Carb Analysis: Sample Processing

Yesterday, we began the process of transferring samples from the aluminum foil to coin envelopes in preparation for drying and grinding. We are basically just removing the contents from the foil and placing it in the coin envelopes. To try and avoid the freeze/thaw effect prior to drying, we are pulling out small numbers of samples at a time and placing filled coin envelopes back in the freezer until we have enough to place them in the dryer.

I have set the drying oven to approximately 90 degrees C. I will likely put the first set of samples in the drying oven today. I plan on getting some basic weight data from the samples prior to putting them in the oven, and then periodically over time to obtain a good estimate of time the samples should be in the oven. I suspect that the root and crown material will take the longest to become completely dry, and I am guessing it will take approximately 48 hours to completely dry the samples.