Page 166 - Nutrient Management Planning Guide

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Manure Test Interpretation

Reporting Units

Typical laboratory analyses and reporting units are listed in Table 4.3.2 (see also #4 and #5 in Figure 4.3.1). Note that on a test report some of the values are measured directly while others are calculated from the results of analyses.

Preferences for the units used to express nutrient content of manure, should be indicated when submitting samples for analysis. It may be necessary to convert units appearing on the lab report, depending on testing laboratory and the units required for subsequent calculations (Table 4.3.3).

Table 4.3.2 Typical Laboratory Analyses and Report Units for Manure

Parameter

Measured or Calculated

Report Units (Solid) Report Units (Liquid)

Moisture (or Solids) Measured % pH Measured pH scale EC Measured deciSeimens/metre (dS/m) C:N ratio Calculated Ratio (Total C:Total N) Total N Measured

%

mg/kg

kg/tonne

lb/ton

%

mg/L

kg/1000 L

lb/1000 gal

Organic N Calculated Ammonium N Measured Nitrate N Measured Total Phosphorus Measured Phosphate (P

2

O

5

) Calculated Total Potassium Measured Potash (K

2

O) Calculated Total Sulphur Measured Sodium Measured Calcium Measured Magnesium Measured Micronutrients Measured

Created by Len Kryzanowski 2007

“As Received” Versus Dried Basis

Manure nutrient content on a laboratory report is only useful if expressed on a wet (or “as received”) basis, since wet manure is what is being applied. If it is unclear from the laboratory report if this is the case, contact the laboratory for clarification. To convert nutrient content from a dry basis to a wet basis, use the following equation: Nutrient content

(wet basis)

= nutrient content

(dry basis)

× [1 - (moisture content (%) ÷ 100)]