Microwave Drying of Rangeland Forage Samples

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of microwave drying with that of conventional forced-air oven drying of rangeland forage species. The data show that a microwave oven can dry grass forage samples for biomass production estimates without significantly affecting their nitrogen or phosphorus levels. Drying in a microwave for 10 minutes was comparable to drying in a forced air oven at 55 degrees C for 24 hours.