Are your plants getting what they need to thrive?
Testing nutrient composition in your manure, slurry and compost ensures adequate nutrition for your crops.
Why test manure?
Producers often rely on table and book values to determine the nutrient content of various manure types. However, the ACTUAL nutrient content of your manure can range widely, depending on factors such as diet, production stage, species, management and care. The only way to accurately apply a manure treatment for maximum crop benefit is to test. Ward can test either solid manure samples or liquid slurry, depending on your needs.
Curious about your compost health?
Here's some of our best-selling, comprehensive manure & compost tests.
Manure & Compost Standard
This test is ideal for producers seeking to use their manure as a valuable resource or dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner.
We will test the sample you submit for the following:
- pH
- Boron
- Calcium
- Copper
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Total nitrogen
- Ammonium-nitrogen
- Nitrate-nitrogen
- Organic-nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Sulfur
- Zinc
- Soluble salts
- Moisture
- Dry matter
- SAR sodium
Manure & Compost Standard + Ash
You’ll get the same package as the Manure & Compost Standard, PLUS we’ll analyze your sample’s ash content.
Manure & Compost Standard + Total Carbon
You’ll get the same package as the Manure & Compost Standard, PLUS we’ll analyze your sample’s C:N ratio. This package is the best option for producers looking to use their manure or compost to encourage a beneficial C:N balance in their soil.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manure, Slurry, Compost, & Wastewater Analysis
What information is included on my manure report?
We calculate pounds of nutrients per ton and pounds of nutrients available in the first season after application. Nutrient calculations are calculated on an “as is” basis.
Can you tell me the C:N ratio of my manure?
Yes! Be sure to request the Manure & Compost Complete Analysis.
How can I produce the highest-quality compost?
Compost is often created by combining plant materials with manure, which adds beneficial microorganisms to help break down the plant matter quickly. Carefully calibrated levels of oxygen and moisture create the ideal environment for decomposition. Because factors such as manure type, organic materials, carbon-nitrogen balance, temperature and moisture can vary, accurate testing is necessary to determine compost quality and suitability for crop production.