W093-Procedures for Manure and Litter Sampling

Nutrient composition of manure varies with a number of factors, including animal type, bedding, ration, storage and handling, environmental conditions, field application method, age of manure, timing of sampling and sampling technique. This variability makes book values (or averages) an unreliable source for determining application rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Each livestock production operation and manure management system is unique, and an individual farm’s manure analysis can vary from average values by 50 percent or more. Testing manure may better indicate how animal management and other factors actually affect nutrient contents and will allow for more accurate calculation of application rates.