chapter 4: tools for the plan. tools for the plan now that you understand what is in a waste...

Chapter 4: Tools for the PlanChapter 4: Tools for the Plan

Tools for the PlanTools for the Plan

• Now that you understand what is in a waste Now that you understand what is in a waste utilization plan, you need know to what tools you can utilization plan, you need know to what tools you can use to follow your plan. use to follow your plan.

• These tools include waste, soil, and plant tissue These tools include waste, soil, and plant tissue analysis.analysis.

Waste AnalysisWaste Analysis

• A review of samples analyzed by the NCDA A review of samples analyzed by the NCDA Agronomic Division shows the available nitrogen in Agronomic Division shows the available nitrogen in animal waste can vary greatly:animal waste can vary greatly:– swine lagoon liquidsswine lagoon liquids0.03 to 617 lb/1000 gal0.03 to 617 lb/1000 gal– dairy slurrydairy slurry0.1 to 250 lb/1000 gal0.1 to 250 lb/1000 gal– poultry operation with a liquid waste management poultry operation with a liquid waste management

systemsystem0.1 to 328 lb/1000 gal 0.1 to 328 lb/1000 gal


• The difference between the maximum and minimum The difference between the maximum and minimum nutrient levels vary by more than a hundredfold. nutrient levels vary by more than a hundredfold.

• These numbers should send a message to waste users:These numbers should send a message to waste users:– average nutrient estimates may be suitable for the purposes average nutrient estimates may be suitable for the purposes

of developing a waste utilization planof developing a waste utilization plan– averages are averages are notnot adequate for calculating proper adequate for calculating proper

application ratesapplication rates


• Growers should not base application rates on Growers should not base application rates on laboratory test results from previous years because laboratory test results from previous years because nutrient concentrations can change significantly, nutrient concentrations can change significantly, particularly when the waste has been exposed to the particularly when the waste has been exposed to the environment. environment.

• For example, nutrient levels in a lagoon or waste For example, nutrient levels in a lagoon or waste storage pond can be influenced by rainfall. storage pond can be influenced by rainfall.

Waste SamplingWaste Sampling

• Proper sampling is the key to reliable waste analysis. Proper sampling is the key to reliable waste analysis.

• Waste samples submitted to a laboratory should represent the Waste samples submitted to a laboratory should represent the average composition of the material that will be applied to the average composition of the material that will be applied to the field. field.

• Reliable samples typically consist of material collected from a Reliable samples typically consist of material collected from a number of locations. Precise sampling methods vary according to number of locations. Precise sampling methods vary according to the type of waste.the type of waste.

• Must be performed within 60 days of waste application.Must be performed within 60 days of waste application.

Liquid WastesLiquid Wastes

• Liquid waste samples submitted for analysis should meet Liquid waste samples submitted for analysis should meet the following requirements:the following requirements:– place sample in a sealed place sample in a sealed plasticplastic container with about a 1-pint container with about a 1-pint

volume. Glass is not suitable because it is breakable and may volume. Glass is not suitable because it is breakable and may contain contaminants.contain contaminants.

– leave 1 inch of air space in the plastic container to allow for leave 1 inch of air space in the plastic container to allow for expansion caused by the release of gas from the waste material.expansion caused by the release of gas from the waste material.

– refrigerate samples that cannot be shipped on the day they are refrigerate samples that cannot be shipped on the day they are collected; this will minimize chemical reactions and pressure collected; this will minimize chemical reactions and pressure buildup from gases.buildup from gases.

Lagoon LiquidLagoon Liquid

• Premixing the surface liquid in the lagoon is not needed, Premixing the surface liquid in the lagoon is not needed, provided it is the only component that is being pumped. provided it is the only component that is being pumped.

• Growers with multistage systems should draw samples Growers with multistage systems should draw samples from the lagoon they intend to pump for crop irrigation.from the lagoon they intend to pump for crop irrigation.

• One pint of material should be taken from at least eight One pint of material should be taken from at least eight sites around the lagoon and then mixed in a clean, sites around the lagoon and then mixed in a clean, plastic container. plastic container.

Lagoon LiquidLagoon Liquid

• Waste should be collected at least 6 feet from the edge of Waste should be collected at least 6 feet from the edge of the lagoon at a depth of about a foot. the lagoon at a depth of about a foot.

• Floating debris and scum should be avoided.Floating debris and scum should be avoided.

• One pint of mixed material should be sent to the laboratory. One pint of mixed material should be sent to the laboratory.

• Galvanized containers should never be used for collection, Galvanized containers should never be used for collection, mixing, or storage due to the risk of contamination from mixing, or storage due to the risk of contamination from metals like zinc in the container.metals like zinc in the container.

A Simple Lagoon Liquid Sampler

Liquid SlurryLiquid Slurry

• Waste materials applied as a slurry from a pit or Waste materials applied as a slurry from a pit or storage basin should be mixed prior to sampling. storage basin should be mixed prior to sampling.

• Waste should be collected from approximately eight Waste should be collected from approximately eight areas around the pit or basin and mixed thoroughly in areas around the pit or basin and mixed thoroughly in a clean, plastic container. a clean, plastic container.

• For analysis, the laboratory requires 1 pint of For analysis, the laboratory requires 1 pint of material in a plastic container. material in a plastic container.

Liquid SlurryLiquid Slurry

• The sample should not be rinsed into the container The sample should not be rinsed into the container because doing so dilutes the mixture and distorts because doing so dilutes the mixture and distorts nutrient evaluations. nutrient evaluations.

• However, if water is typically added to the waste However, if water is typically added to the waste prior to land application, a proportionate quantity of prior to land application, a proportionate quantity of water should be added to the sample.water should be added to the sample.

A Simple WasteSlurry Sampler

Solid WastesSolid Wastes• Solid waste samples should represent the average moisture Solid waste samples should represent the average moisture

content of the waste. content of the waste.

• Samples should be taken from approximately eight different Samples should be taken from approximately eight different areas in the waste, placed in a clean, plastic container, and areas in the waste, placed in a clean, plastic container, and thoroughly mixed. thoroughly mixed.

• Approximately 1 quart of the mixed sample should be placed in Approximately 1 quart of the mixed sample should be placed in a plastic bag, sealed, and shipped directly to the laboratory. a plastic bag, sealed, and shipped directly to the laboratory.

• Samples stored for more than two days should be refrigerated. Samples stored for more than two days should be refrigerated.

A Simple SolidWaste Sampler

Who Can Analyze My Waste Sample?Who Can Analyze My Waste Sample?

• Growers should always have their wastes analyzed by a competent laboratory.

• The NCDA Agronomic Division can analyze waste samples and make agronomic recommendations regarding the use of the waste as a fertilizer.

• Private laboratories can also analyze waste samples.


• Your animal waste management plan or general permit may require that you use a North Carolina certified laboratory to satisfy monitoring requirements.

• This chapter will not address sampling for the purpose of monitoring; instead it will address the use of a lab that provides agronomic recommendations similar to those provided by the NCDA Agronomic Division.


• Each sample must be accompanied by a completed copy Each sample must be accompanied by a completed copy of the Waste Analysis Information Sheet and a $4.00 of the Waste Analysis Information Sheet and a $4.00 fee. Make checks payable to NCDA. fee. Make checks payable to NCDA.

• These forms are available from your county Cooperative These forms are available from your county Cooperative Extension center or NCDA Regional Agronomist.Extension center or NCDA Regional Agronomist.

• Be sure that each waste sample is labeled with your Be sure that each waste sample is labeled with your name, phone number, date, and sample number.name, phone number, date, and sample number.

What Does My Waste Analysis Report What Does My Waste Analysis Report Tell Me?Tell Me?

What Does My Waste Analysis Report What Does My Waste Analysis Report Tell Me?Tell Me?• Nutrients listed in the report as “available for the first crop” Nutrients listed in the report as “available for the first crop”

should be used in determining the actual application rate to should be used in determining the actual application rate to meet a specific plant nutrient requirement. meet a specific plant nutrient requirement.

• These levels are predicted on an as-is or wet basis. These levels are predicted on an as-is or wet basis.

• Please consult a certified technical specialist if you need Please consult a certified technical specialist if you need assistance in interpreting the results from your waste assistance in interpreting the results from your waste analysis. analysis.

What Is Soil Testing?What Is Soil Testing?

• The goal of soil testing is to find out enough about the soil to The goal of soil testing is to find out enough about the soil to provide economically and environmentally sound nutrient and provide economically and environmentally sound nutrient and lime recommendations.lime recommendations.

• Soil testing is not a perfect science, but it provides the most Soil testing is not a perfect science, but it provides the most reasonable approach for growers to:reasonable approach for growers to:– assess soil pH and plant-available nutrientsassess soil pH and plant-available nutrients– determine the need for lime and fertilizersdetermine the need for lime and fertilizers– avoid losses and environmental damage from improper lime and avoid losses and environmental damage from improper lime and

fertilization practices fertilization practices

Who Can Analyze My Soil Sample?Who Can Analyze My Soil Sample?

• Growers should always have their soil samples analyzed by a competent laboratory.

• The NCDA Agronomic Division can analyze soil samples and make agronomic recommendations for lime and fertilizer requirements.

• Private laboratories can also analyze soil samples.


• Your animal waste management plan or general permit may require that you use a North Carolina certified laboratory to satisfy monitoring requirements.

• This chapter will not address sampling for the purpose of monitoring; instead it will address the use of a lab that provides agronomic recommendations similar to those provided by the NCDA Agronomic Division.


• In North Carolina, soil analysis is provided as a free In North Carolina, soil analysis is provided as a free service by the Agronomic Division of the North service by the Agronomic Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA). Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA).

• Sampling instructions, information sheets, and boxes Sampling instructions, information sheets, and boxes are provided at no charge and can be obtained at:are provided at no charge and can be obtained at:– county Cooperative Extension Service centerscounty Cooperative Extension Service centers– NCDA Regional AgronomistsNCDA Regional Agronomists– many businesses selling lime or fertilizer many businesses selling lime or fertilizer

How Do I Take a Soil Sample?How Do I Take a Soil Sample?

• Every soil sample you submit for testing should Every soil sample you submit for testing should consist of about 15 to 20 cores taken at random consist of about 15 to 20 cores taken at random locations throughout one field or area. locations throughout one field or area.

• A sample should include cores from no more than A sample should include cores from no more than about 20 acres even if the soil appears to be uniform about 20 acres even if the soil appears to be uniform over a larger area. over a larger area.


• Keep in mind that each sample should represent only one Keep in mind that each sample should represent only one general soil type or condition. general soil type or condition.

• If the field you are sampling contains If the field you are sampling contains areas that are different in slope, color, areas that are different in slope, color, drainage, and texture and if those drainage, and texture and if those areas can be fertilized separately, areas can be fertilized separately, submit a separate sample (consisting submit a separate sample (consisting of 15 to 20 cores) for each area.of 15 to 20 cores) for each area.


• When collecting samples, avoid small areas where the soil When collecting samples, avoid small areas where the soil conditions are obviously different from those in the rest of conditions are obviously different from those in the rest of the fieldthe fieldfor example:for example:– wet spotswet spots

– old manure and urine spotsold manure and urine spots

– places where wood piles have been burnedplaces where wood piles have been burned

– severely eroded areasseverely eroded areas

– old building sitesold building sites

– fence rowsfence rows

How Do I Take a Soil Sample?How Do I Take a Soil Sample?• Samples taken from these locations would not be typical Samples taken from these locations would not be typical

of the soil in the rest of the field.of the soil in the rest of the field.

• Areas within a field where different crops have been Areas within a field where different crops have been grown in the past should be sampled separately, even if grown in the past should be sampled separately, even if you now plan to grow the same crop in the whole field. you now plan to grow the same crop in the whole field.

• Areas that have been limed and fertilized differently from Areas that have been limed and fertilized differently from the rest of the field should also be sampled separately.the rest of the field should also be sampled separately.


• Avoid brass, bronze, or Avoid brass, bronze, or galvanized tools.galvanized tools.

• Make sure that the buckets and Make sure that the buckets and sampling tools are clean and free sampling tools are clean and free of lime and fertilizer residues.of lime and fertilizer residues.

• Collect your samples with stainless steel or chrome-plated Collect your samples with stainless steel or chrome-plated sampling tools and plastic buckets to avoid contaminating the sampling tools and plastic buckets to avoid contaminating the samples. samples.


• For fields where perennial crops For fields where perennial crops such as fescue, alfalfa, and turf such as fescue, alfalfa, and turf are being maintained, samples are being maintained, samples taken to a depth of 4 inches will taken to a depth of 4 inches will best represent the crop’s lime best represent the crop’s lime and fertilizer needs.and fertilizer needs.

• For areas in which field crops are grown, collect samples to the For areas in which field crops are grown, collect samples to the same depth that the field is plowed (usually about 8 inches). same depth that the field is plowed (usually about 8 inches).

What Does My Soil Test ReportWhat Does My Soil Test ReportTell Me?Tell Me?

What Does My Soil Test Report Tell Me?What Does My Soil Test Report Tell Me?pHpH

• Soil pH affects the availability of many nutrients Soil pH affects the availability of many nutrients required for plant growth. required for plant growth.

• North Carolina soils are naturally acidic, meaning North Carolina soils are naturally acidic, meaning that they have a low pH. that they have a low pH.

• These soils often require additions of lime in order to These soils often require additions of lime in order to maintain the pH in a range suitable for plant growth. maintain the pH in a range suitable for plant growth.

What Does My Soil Test Report Tell Me?What Does My Soil Test Report Tell Me?Nutrients Reported as Index ValuesNutrients Reported as Index Values

• The plant nutrients measured in an NCDA soil test The plant nutrients measured in an NCDA soil test are reported in units known as index values. are reported in units known as index values.

• Index values can be used as a means of predicting Index values can be used as a means of predicting soil fertility levels or potential heavy metal toxicities.soil fertility levels or potential heavy metal toxicities.

• Essentially, the index system was developed to relate Essentially, the index system was developed to relate soil fertility levels to the likelihood of a crop yield soil fertility levels to the likelihood of a crop yield increase resulting from a fertilizer application.increase resulting from a fertilizer application.

Relationship Between Soil Test Index and Relationship Between Soil Test Index and Crop ResponseCrop Response

Soil TestIndex

Expected Crop Response toNutrient Application

Range Rating P* Zn Cu0 to 25 Low High High High26 to 50 Med Low None None51 to 100 High None None None100+ Very High None None None* Phosphate recommendations above the 50index are designed to

replenish nutrients removed by crops and for building purposes.

How Can Soil Tests Be Used to Adjust How Can Soil Tests Be Used to Adjust and Monitor Waste Utilization Plans?and Monitor Waste Utilization Plans?

• Soil tests are how we determine the priority nutrient. Soil tests are how we determine the priority nutrient.

• The priority nutrient is the nutrient most likely to The priority nutrient is the nutrient most likely to cause an adverse environmental or plant health cause an adverse environmental or plant health effect. effect.

• Some nutrients may be stored in the soil just as one Some nutrients may be stored in the soil just as one stores money in a bank. These nutrients will stores money in a bank. These nutrients will generally remain in the soil until needed by plants. generally remain in the soil until needed by plants.


• When waste application rates are based on N the When waste application rates are based on N the waste also supplies other nutrients, such as P, Cu, waste also supplies other nutrients, such as P, Cu, and Zn, that may not be required. and Zn, that may not be required.

• P, Cu, and Zn are not subject to leaching and remain P, Cu, and Zn are not subject to leaching and remain in the soil until taken up by plants. in the soil until taken up by plants.

• As nutrients continue to accumulate they may As nutrients continue to accumulate they may become toxic to plants. become toxic to plants.


• The level at which toxicity occurs depends on:The level at which toxicity occurs depends on:– concentration of the element in the soilconcentration of the element in the soil– sensitivity of the cropsensitivity of the crop– soil pHsoil pH– cation exchange capacity (CEC)cation exchange capacity (CEC)

Ranking Fields for Animal Waste Ranking Fields for Animal Waste ApplicationsApplications

• You might consider applying animal waste to fields You might consider applying animal waste to fields that meet the following criteria:that meet the following criteria:– Zn-I soil test index (NCDA) less than 700Zn-I soil test index (NCDA) less than 700– Cu-I soil test index (NCDA) less than 700Cu-I soil test index (NCDA) less than 700– P-I soil test index (NCDA) less than 150P-I soil test index (NCDA) less than 150

Heavy MetalsHeavy Metalsisolated heavy metal toxicity in a isolated heavy metal toxicity in a

sandy portion of a field.sandy portion of a field.


• If the soil test Zn-I is greater than 700, meet with a If the soil test Zn-I is greater than 700, meet with a Certified Technical Specialist to select a crop that is Certified Technical Specialist to select a crop that is tolerant of high zinc soils. tolerant of high zinc soils.

• If the soil test Cu-I is greater than 700, meet with a If the soil test Cu-I is greater than 700, meet with a Certified Technical Specialist to select a crop that is Certified Technical Specialist to select a crop that is tolerant of high copper soils.tolerant of high copper soils.


• If the soil test P-I is greater than 150, then potential for If the soil test P-I is greater than 150, then potential for erosion and distance to surface water becomes important. erosion and distance to surface water becomes important.

• Where soil movement from the field into nearby waters is Where soil movement from the field into nearby waters is likely, apply no more P to the site than the crop will likely, apply no more P to the site than the crop will remove to avoid further accumulation of P. remove to avoid further accumulation of P. – a certified Technical Specialist can help you with adjusting your a certified Technical Specialist can help you with adjusting your

application rates; however, be aware that these rates may mean application rates; however, be aware that these rates may mean that you will need two to five times more landthat you will need two to five times more land

Plant AnalysisPlant Analysis• Healthy plants contain predictable concentrations of Healthy plants contain predictable concentrations of

“essential” elements. “essential” elements.

• Nutrient deficiencyNutrient deficiencyplant suffers from inadequate levels of plant suffers from inadequate levels of the essential nutrients. the essential nutrients.

• Nutrient toxicityNutrient toxicityplant suffers from excessive levels of plant suffers from excessive levels of the various elements. the various elements.

• In either case, the plant is not healthy and therefore is not In either case, the plant is not healthy and therefore is not removing nutrients from the soil at its fullest capabilities. removing nutrients from the soil at its fullest capabilities.

Plant AnalysisPlant Analysis• A plant analysis has three main applications:A plant analysis has three main applications:

– to confirm a suspected nutrient deficiency or toxicity when visual to confirm a suspected nutrient deficiency or toxicity when visual symptoms are presentsymptoms are present

– to monitor plant nutrient status in an effort to achieve optimum yield to monitor plant nutrient status in an effort to achieve optimum yield while protecting the environmentwhile protecting the environment

– to serve as a basis along with a soil test for fine tuning fertilization to serve as a basis along with a soil test for fine tuning fertilization programsprograms

• When visual symptoms of a suspected nutrient deficiency are When visual symptoms of a suspected nutrient deficiency are present, take a soil sample at the same time and in the area that the present, take a soil sample at the same time and in the area that the plant tissue is collected. plant tissue is collected.

How Can Plant Analysis Be a Predictive How Can Plant Analysis Be a Predictive and Diagnostic Tool? and Diagnostic Tool? • Additional nutrient applications may be needed based on Additional nutrient applications may be needed based on

nutrient deficiencies reported in a plant tissue report. nutrient deficiencies reported in a plant tissue report.

• Base supplemental applications of N on a plant analysis, Base supplemental applications of N on a plant analysis, particularly when there is a suspected or anticipated N particularly when there is a suspected or anticipated N deficiency. deficiency. – if assistance is needed, contact a Certified Technical if assistance is needed, contact a Certified Technical

Specialist prior to making additional waste applications based Specialist prior to making additional waste applications based on the results of a plant tissue test on the results of a plant tissue test

How Can Plant Analysis Be a Predictive How Can Plant Analysis Be a Predictive and Diagnostic Tool? and Diagnostic Tool? • Nitrate poisoning in animals is an increasing problem in Nitrate poisoning in animals is an increasing problem in

North Carolina due to the high levels of nitrogen applied to North Carolina due to the high levels of nitrogen applied to forages. forages.

• Laboratory analysis is the best way to determine a forage’s Laboratory analysis is the best way to determine a forage’s nutrient content and the potential for nitrate toxicity. nutrient content and the potential for nitrate toxicity.

• Mailing kits for samples for forage analysis are available Mailing kits for samples for forage analysis are available from the NCDA Regional Agronomists and county from the NCDA Regional Agronomists and county Cooperative Extension Service centers. Cooperative Extension Service centers.

How Do I Take Pasture Samples for Feed How Do I Take Pasture Samples for Feed Testing?Testing?

• Use a bag supplied in a kit by NCDA to hold the Use a bag supplied in a kit by NCDA to hold the collected tissue. Be sure there are no contaminants on collected tissue. Be sure there are no contaminants on your hands or on the collected tissue.your hands or on the collected tissue.

• Walk the pasture much the same way you would for Walk the pasture much the same way you would for soil sampling. Take a sample of grazeable vegetation soil sampling. Take a sample of grazeable vegetation by plucking or grabbing a few leaves between the by plucking or grabbing a few leaves between the thumb and index and middle finger. thumb and index and middle finger.

How Do I Take Pasture Samples for Feed How Do I Take Pasture Samples for Feed Testing?Testing?

• Follow the instructions in the kit for:Follow the instructions in the kit for:– filling the bagfilling the bag– completing the formcompleting the form– shipping the sampleshipping the sample

chapter 4: tools for the plan. tools for the plan now that you understand what is in a waste...

Documents

animal waste

waste users

type of waste

reliable waste analysis

waste analysis growers

days of waste application

waste storage pond

waste sampling proper