Manure Testing

"Where there's muck..."

Rapid testing for nutrient content of manures

Manure testing

Manures, biosolids and slurries contain valuable plant nutrients and their careful use can save money on inorganic fertiliser costs.

These nutrients can vary considerably from the typical values presented in the Defra Fertiliser Manual (RB209). Given this variability and the increasing costs of manufactured fertiliser, it is worthwhile analysing the nutrient content of representative samples of manures, biosolids and slurries.

Typical values for manure nutrient content are helpful for general planning of fertiliser strategy, but for reliable fertiliser planning at field (crop specific) level and in order to maximise the benefits, it is essential to know the nutrient content of applied manures.

Improved analysis

Eurofins has been part of a research consortium which has shown that Near Infra-red Reflectance Spectrometry (NIRS) can provide low cost, rapid and reliable analysis of manures for the determination of:

  • Dry matter
  • Total Nitrogen
  • Ammonium-Nitrogen
  • Phosphate
  • Potash
  • Magnesium
  • Sulphur

Validation has been based on a very substantial sample set, covering a wide range of nutrient content and from a wide geographical range across the UK.

Benefits of NIRS analysis

  • Reduced analytical costs – due to rapid preparation and analysis
  • Wide analysis range – multiple parameters in a single test
  • Cost effective analysis of larger sample numbers – more representative of a manure store or heap
  • Results delivered quickly – results available within two working days
  • Reliable results – consistent results over variable sample types from slurries to solid manures

Eurofins offers the NIRS Rapid Test for nutrient content of manures, biosolids and slurries

The rapid NIRS method is currently validated for cattle and pig manure and slurry over 5% solids but the method will be extended to cover other materials. An available nitrogen prediction model is under development. If you are looking for a more extensive analysis or require analysis of poultry manures please contact us to discuss your needs.

Description Parameters included Minimum quantity Eurofins package code
New NIRS service for manures Dry Matter, N, P2O5, K2O, MgO, SO3, Ammonium-N 1 kg UD975

Comprehensive service

Our laboratories in the UK provide testing for the agricultural sector including soils, feedstuffs, forage and hydroponics. We are supported by an international network of Eurofins Competence Centres providing specialist analysis. Please contact us for further information.

Contact

sales@eurofins.co.uk
0845 604 6740

Acknowledgement
The research behind the NIRS validation was funded under the Defra Sustainable Arable LINK Research Programme. Research Partners: ADAS and Rothamsted Research. Industry partners: AHDB (DairyCo, HGCA, EBLEX, BPEX, Potato Council), GrowHow UK Ltd, Yara ASA International, Bruker UK Ltd, Vion Food UK, Agrivert Ltd, Spreadwise Ltd, Severn Trent Water Ltd and Yorkshire Water Ltd.