Which nutrients are routinely analyzed in manure?

The routine analysis of manure typically includes total nitrogen (N), phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), and potassium oxide (K2O), which are crucial nutrients for plant growth.

Total N is important because it is a key macronutrient that promotes vegetative growth and is a major component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Accurate measurement of nitrogen helps in determining its availability in manure and aids in matching nutrient supply with crop needs to prevent excess application.

Phosphorus, represented as P2O5, is another important macronutrient that supports root development, flowering, and fruiting processes in plants. Analyzing phosphorus levels ensures that crops receive adequate nutrients to enhance productivity and mitigate potential environmental impacts from nutrient runoff.

Potassium, indicated as K2O, is vital for water regulation, enzyme activation and overall plant health. It helps in stress resistance and plays a role in photosynthesis. Monitoring potassium levels helps in making informed decisions for crop fertility management.

In contrast, while calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, copper, and boron are indeed important for plant growth and development, they are typically not analyzed as routinely in manure nutrient profiles as the primary macronutrients N, P, and