DEVELOPMENT OF A MANURE TESTING MANUAL BY A MULTI-REGIONAL COMMITTEE

Authors: PETERS, J.B. - UNIV. OF WISCONSIN; BEEGLE, D.B. - PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV.; COMBS, S. - UNIV. OF WISCONSIN; HOSKINS, B. - UNIVERSITY OF MAINE; Kovar, John; WATSON, M.E. - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY; WOLF, A.M. - PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV.; WOLF, N. - UNIV. OF ARKANSAS

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/25/2001
Publication Date: 10/25/2001
Citation: PETERS, J., BEEGLE, D., COMBS, S., HOSKINS, B., KOVAR, J.L., WATSON, M., WOLF, A., WOLF, N. DEVELOPMENT OF A MANURE TESTING MANUAL BY A MULTI-REGIONAL COMMITTEE. ASA-CSSA-SSSA ANNUAL MEETING ABSTRACTS. 2001. CD-ROM. MADISON, WI.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: 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, feed ration, storage/handling, environmental conditions, field application method, and age of manure. Quantifying the nutrient value of applied manure remains a complex challenge, however, 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. Work on the manual has been focused on four main areas, including: sampling, analytical procedures, lab QA/QC, and reporting. The analytical section includes suggested methods for sample handling, dry matter determination, total N, ammonium N, digestion/dissolution and analytical methods for minerals, pH and electrical conductivity.