Near-infrared Sensing of Manure Ingredients

Abstract

<p>The effectiveness of near-infrared (NIR) technology for quickly analyzing the nutrient content of three types of animal manure was evaluated. Swine lagoon effluent, liquid swine pit manure, and solid beef feedlot manure were tested. An NIRSystems 6500 scanning monochromator unit was calibrated against wet chemistry data. Total solids (TS), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), total phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were measured. Correlation coefficients (r) ranged from 0.688 to 0.976, Ratios of data range:standard error of prediction (SEP) varied from 7.0 to 13.6 for the various chemical constituents and manure sources. Based on the individual ratios we conclude that NIR techniques will allow us to predict TS, TKN, NH3-N, and K in all three manure types. Further work will be required before P is predictable.</p>