What form of nitrogen is specifically analyzed in manure analysis?

The correct answer is ammonium, which is a key form of nitrogen found in manure and is critical for understanding its nutrient value and application in agricultural practices. In manure analysis, ammonium nitrogen is typically measured because it represents the readily available form of nitrogen that can be directly utilized by plants.

Ammonium is an essential nutrient for plant growth as it is easily absorbed by roots and can be quickly converted to other forms of nitrogen within the soil, supporting plant development. This makes it a crucial component of nutrient management strategies.

While other forms of nitrogen, such as urea nitrogen, do exist and play a role in the nitrogen cycle, they are either less relevant in the context of immediate plant uptake or are processed differently in the soil. Nitric acid and nitrogen gas do not pertain to forms analyzed in manure because nitrogen gas is unavailable to plants and nitric acid is not a nitrogen source but rather a chemical compound that can be used to create fertilizers. Hence, focusing on ammonium is essential for effective nutrient management in agricultural systems.