Nutrient
contents of organic materials vary widely due to differences in the basic
materials, handling and storage. Chemical analysis is recommended to meet crop
needs while using the nutrients efficiently and avoiding excess accumulation of
phosphorus and heavy metals. Routine analyses differ for manure, compost, and
biosolids providing the information needed to develop a nutrient management
plan. The routine analyses for manure (A2a) are: dry matter, total N, ammonium N, total P, and total K. Compost
samples (A2b) are routinely analyzed for dry matter (% solids), moisture, total
C, total N, C:N ratio, ammonium N, total P,
total K, electrical conductivity , and pH.
Biosolids (A2c, anaerobically digested sewage sludge) are analyzed for pH, dry
matter (% solids), total N, organic N, ammonium N, total P, and total K. For an
extra charge, concentrations of As, B, Ca, Mg, Na, Al, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb,
Hg, Mo, Ni, Se, and Zn can be measured in any of the materials. Our final
report includes the chemical analysis of the sample as submitted and on a dry
weight basis, and estimated nutrients available during the first season
following application. For each sample,
we provide tables of recommended rates on N management and P management bases
for corn, or requested crop, considering yield goal, soil organic matter and
available P.
Samples may be collected from stored product or during application, or after application if surface applied. Combine 12 sub-samples taken from different parts of the stored product, combine, mix well and sub-sample. Samples collected during application should be composite of sub-samples taken from several loads, or taken at several times or places during application through an irrigation system. Samples should be frozen immediately after collection to minimize loss of ammonium. Submit ½ lb frozen samples of solid manure, compost and biosolids samples in zip-lock bags. Submit frozen samples of slurry and liquid manures contained in approximately one-pint plastic bottles ¾ full. Label all samples provided including at least the client name, sample number, date of sampling and telephone number. If samples are mailed in, put in an insolated contained and send early in the week (not before a holiday) to ensure quick delivery. Complete the sample information sheet, providing at least the client’s name, address, sample number, type of product, and date of sampling. Additional information is requested to aid in the interpretation of the results.
All methods used are standard methods for the North-Central Region as defined by EPA and SERA-6/NCR-13. Methods for compost analysis are from the Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC) prepared by the US compost Council.
A2b Compost $50/sample
A2c Biosolids $50/sample
Metals (as listed above) +$50/sample
more than 10 samples -$5/sample
No fertilizer recommendation -$1/sample