Publication ID: A3769
Introduction
The benefits of applying livestock manure to crops have been recognized for centuries. Nutrient composition of manure varies with a number of factors, including animal type, bedding, ration, storage/handling, environmental conditions, field application method, and age of manure. These factors certainly present sampling and analysis challenges. In addition, the chemical form and amount of each nutrient varies between fecal and urine fractions.
Nutrient values can be assigned by using estimated “book” or average available N, P2O5 and K2O con-tents. However, testing manure may better indicate how animal management and other factors actually affect nutrient content. In fact, many state nutrient management programs now require manure testing as part of farm nutrient management.
Using good sampling technique is critical for having confidence in manure nutrient analysis results. Appropriate sample handling and laboratory methods are also important to ensure producers have confidence in test results. However, quantifying the nutrient value of applied manure remains a complex challenge. This information is needed to better manage manure as a nutrient asset.
Work on the development of this multi-regional publication began in 1996 following a joint meeting of regional soil testing workgroups in Raleigh, North Carolina. Earlier in that year, a sample exchange was conducted with NCR-13, SERA-6 and NEC-67 laboratories. Results from that sample exchange were presented at the Raleigh meetings and sparked interest in joining efforts to develop a manure testing manual, which could be used in all regions. This document is the result of the work of this multi-regional committee in developing a reference document for sampling and testing livestock manure.
—John Peters
Note: Reference to commercial products or manufacturers’ names throughout this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the authors. When this type of information is listed, it is only done to give the reader an indication of the relative type of equipment, chemicals and supplies that are required.
The authors wish to thank the following individuals for their assistance in developing this manual:
- Doug Beegle — Penn State University
- Michelle Campbell — Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture
- Jerry Floren — Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture
- Steve Offer — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Louise Ogden — Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture
Originally Published: February 2003
Reviewers:
- John Shutske – Professor and Extension Specialist for the Biological Systems Engineering Department
- Megan Nelson – Dairy and Livestock Program Manager for the Division of Extension
- Ross Edwards – Senior Scientist for the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, all at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
Authors:
- John Peters, Director, Soil and Forage Analysis Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin–Marshfield.
- Sherry M. Combs, Director, Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Bruce Hoskins, Assistant Scientist, Analytical Lab, University of Maine, Orono, ME
- Jan Jarman, Soil Scientist, formerly with Minnesota Department of Agriculture, St. Paul, MN
- John L. Kovar, Soil Scientist, USDA/ARS National Soil Tilth Laboratory at Ames, Iowa
- Maurice E. Watson, Soil Extension Specialist, School of Natural Resources, Ohio Agricultural Research andDevelopment Center, The Ohio State University
- Ann M. Wolf, Director, Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory, Penn State University, University Park, PA.
- Nancy Wolf, Research Associate, Agriculture Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Crop, Soil, andEnvironmental Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701
