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Manure sampling procedures and nutrient estimation by the hydrometer method for gestation pigs
Jun Zhu1, Pius M Ndegwa, Zhijian Zhang
1Southern Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, 35838 120th Street, Waseca, MN 56093-4521, USA. zhuxx034@umn.edu
Bioresource Technology
|February 10, 2004
Summary
Measuring pig manure specific gravity accurately estimates total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) content. A soil hydrometer offers a rapid method, but readings must be taken quickly after mixing for precision.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Animal Science
Background:
- Accurate nutrient analysis of animal manure is crucial for effective waste management and environmental protection.
- Traditional methods for analyzing total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in manure can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
- Developing rapid and reliable methods for estimating manure nutrient content is essential for on-farm decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different manure agitation methods (vertical mixing, horizontal mixing, no mixing) for obtaining representative samples.
- To determine the correlation between manure total solids, specific gravity, and nutrient concentrations (TN and TP).
- To assess the feasibility of using a soil hydrometer as a rapid testing method for estimating TN and TP in pig manure.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of three manure agitation procedures: vertical mixing, horizontal mixing, and no mixing.
- Measurement of total solids, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and specific gravity in gestation pig manure.
- Evaluation of a soil hydrometer for rapid estimation of TN and TP, noting the time sensitivity of readings.
Main Results:
- High correlations were found between total solids content and TN (0.988) and TP (0.994) concentrations.
- Strong linear correlations were observed between TN and TP content and manure specific gravity (0.991 and 0.987, respectively).
- The soil hydrometer method showed increased error at lower TN and TP concentrations, with readings requiring rapid execution (within 10 seconds) to prevent drift.
Conclusions:
- Manure specific gravity can be used to accurately estimate TN and TP concentrations in pig manure.
- A soil hydrometer provides a rapid method for estimating manure nutrients, but its accuracy is dependent on concentration and timely readings.
- Effective manure sampling requires appropriate agitation to ensure representative sample collection for accurate analysis.