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Estimating nutrient content of animal slurries using electrical conductivity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

R. J. Stevens ,
C. J. O'bric  and
O. T. Carton
R. J. Stevens
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland, Agricultural and Environmental Science Division, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK The Queen's University, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK
C. J. O'bric
Affiliation:
The Queen's University, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK
O. T. Carton
Affiliation:
Teagasc, Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Johnstown Castle Research and Development Centre, Wexford, Ireland
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Summary

Electrical conductivity was evaluated for estimating the nutrient content of cattle and pig slurries. Slurry samples were collected in 1991 from the storage tanks of 48 cattle and 10 pig units on commercial farms in Ireland. Samples were analysed for NH4+ and total concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg and P. Electrical conductivity (EC) was measured on raw slurries (ECraw) and on slurries diluted by 10 with water (ECdilute). Relationships between EC and nutrient content were examined by correlation and linear regression analyses.

In both slurry types, NH4+ was the dominant cation with K+ second in importance on a molar basis. Within each slurry type, the concentration of each of these cations was significantly correlated with EC. Using ECdilute gave more accurate predictions of concentrations than ECraw, but even ECraw was a better predictor than dry matter (DM) content. The linear relationships between NH4+ or K+ and ECdilute explained > 82% of the variance within each slurry type. The P content in slurries was related better to DM than to EC. Since EC measurement could be by cheap, robust meters, its potential for on-farm use deserves further investigation.

Type
Crops and Soils
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 125 , Issue 2 , October 1995 , pp. 233 - 238
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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