Manure sampling and testing: Variability, guidelines & safety for your operation

UMN Extension Nutrient Management Podcast

This week on Advancing Nitrogen Smart, Brad Carlson and Melissa Wilson talk about manure sampling and testing. What are some sampling guidelines to be aware of in Minnesota? How variable is nitrogen in one type of manure, and then from one type versus another? How could different changes to a farmer's operation affect manure nutrient content? How should manure samples be stored? Safety is huge - what do farmers need to know about staying safe while working with manure? Oh, and how do you prevent the sample jars from exploding in the mail? This, and lots of manure stories on today's show.

Guests:

• Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)
• Melissa Wilson, Extension manure nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)

Additional resources:

• 2025 Certified Manure Testing Laboratories
• Nitrogen availability of different manure types: What we know and what we are researching
• Introducing ManureDB: A new way to view manure variability and trends
• Manure management
• Manure Land Application: Minimum Requirements

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