2010-10-20
N-value in organic fertilizers
Contents of ammonium N might be used to caracterize short-term N fertilizer value in partly decomposed organic materials such as biogas residue, manure and compost e.g. For pelleted plant material, slaughter residues and other materials not decomposed C/N-ratios give the best estimates.
In the investigation the ability in 15 types of organic fertilizers to release N was compared. Rye-grass was cultivated in pots and the N-uptake was measured. The fertilizers were chemically analysed and also characterized by means of NIR (near infrared reflectance). NIR might be a quick and cheap method but requires more testing and calibration before extensive use.
Further reading
Title of the report is Potential methods for estimating the nitrogen fertilization value of organic fertilizers. Authors: Sofia Delin, Bo Stenberg, Anna Nyberg och Leif Brohede
Written by:
Lennart Mattsson