NRM, an agrifood analysis laboratory, has released data of the variation in nutrient content of manures it has collected since 2011.  The research shows that there is significant variation in all nutrients no matter what the animal source.  The table below shows the results for cattle manure.

A full set of all samples and results can be seen at www.nrm.uk.com/downloads.php

The results clearly show how important it is to have your manure, slurry and dirty water tested to establish exactly what you are applying to your fields.  If you are above average you could be over using inorganic fertiliser and wasting money.  Below average means that you could be losing valuable crop yield, by not meeting the crops requirements.

At the Farm Consultancy Group, we can offer manure and slurry testing to ensure you know what your muck is worth.  We can then help you put together a nutrient management plan to ensure that any non-organic fertiliser used, balances the nutrients supplied by organic manure applied.  Contact Phil Cooper to discuss further at pcooper@fcgagric.com or your local FCG office.