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Using Manure Analysis ResultsManure as a Resource SeriesUsing Manure Analysis ResultsLivestock and poultry manure is a valuable resource. When applied to cropland and forage land, manure can:
To fully realize the fertilizer value of manure and protect the environment, a nutrient management plan is recommended for each field that will receive manure. The plan is a plant food budget for the field. Balancing the nutrients added with plant uptake by the crop or forage prevents nutrient buildup and prevents surface and ground water pollution. A nutrient management plan includes:
An accurate estimate of the nutrients available from manure is influenced by:
Poorly handled samples do not provide accurate estimates of the nutrients contained in the manure. Improperly calibrated equipment will result in over or under applying manure. Either mistake can be costly. Here’s why:
The local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office has procedures and software for preparing a nutrient management plan. Take advantage of this knowledge by visiting your local USDA Service Center. Nutrient AvailabilityNitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in manure are present in two forms:
Nutrients become available for plant growth when organic compounds decay. During the decay process, bacteria and fungi convert the organic compounds to inorganic compounds by a process called mineralization. The rate of mineralization is affected by temperature, moisture, soil chemistry, and time. Therefore, not all of the nutrients in the organic compounds are available for use by the plant the year manure is applied. Mineralization occurs most rapidly in warm, moist, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Using the Analysis ReportMost laboratory reports provide information about the moisture, dry matter, and nutrient content of the manure sample submitted. The format of the report may vary with the type of manure submitted, the analysis requested, and the laboratory completing the analysis. Results are usually reported in two ways.
An example of a report format used by some laboratories is shown below. Analysis ReportResults on “As Sampled” Basis Analysis Report for:
Manure is usually applied in the form it was sampled. Therefore, the “As Received” results must be used to plan a manure application (Lb/1,000 gal or Lb/ton). If the lab analysis reports nutrients in part per million (ppm) or milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), convert the analysis to pounds using one of these equations. Note that the conversion factor for lab results reported in ppm or mg/kg is the same. Therefore, these types of results can be entered interchangeably in the “Results” position in the following equations. Liquid Manure Lb/1,000 gal = Results (ppm or mg/kg) x 0.00834 Solid Manure Lb/ton = Results (ppm or mg/kg) x 0.002 If your lab analysis reports nutrient concentration as a percent by weight (%), convert the analysis to pounds using one of the following equations. Liquid Manure Lb/1,000 gal = % x 83.4 Solid Manure Lb/ton = % x 20 (Note: This assumes that the density of liquid manure is similar to that of water, which is about 8.3 pounds per gallon.) Fertilizer recommendations are based on the:
If the analysis report doesn’t provide phosphorus and potassium equivalents, the values can be determined using the following formulas. Phosphorus Lb P2O5 = Lb Phosphorus x 2.29 Potassium Lb K2O = Lb Potassium x 1.2 The Nutrient Value of ManureThe actual nutrient value of manure is estimated on the manure analysis. However, the actual amounts of nutrients available to crop or forage plants is dependent on climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and manure application method. The method used to apply manure and the length of time from application to incorporation plays a significant role in the amount of nutrients available. Producers can expect a 5-10% nitrogen loss when injecting manure with sweeps or knives. If manure is broadcast on the soil surface and then incorporated, losses will range from 30% if incorporated within 12 hours up to as much as 50% if incorporated after 4 days. If liquid manure is applied through irrigation sprinklers, approximately 25% can be lost through volatilization (loss to atmosphere). Delays in incorporating manure increases the potential for phosphorus to pollute streams and lakes if run off occurs. To best reduce nutrient losses and prevent pollution:
For More InformationFor information or assistance with your management options, contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or conservation district office. Natural Resources Conservation Service Montana Assoc. of Conservation Districts For information or assistance with regulatory requirements of manure management, contact the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. Department of Environmental Quality Manure as a Resource SeriesThree additional brochures are in this series. To receive a copy of any of the following brochures, visit your local NRCS office.
If you encounter any problems with the file provided on this page, please contact Technical Resources at 406-587-6822. This document requires
Adobe Reader. Last Modified: 11/10/2011 |
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