DIY Effluent Nutrient Testing Kit

Imagine applying fertiliser without knowing the NPK…

Farmers have a valuable resource in the effluent pond, but often don’t know it’s value, and new government regulations are requiring farmers to record and manage nitrogen application more precisely.  So here’s a solution…

Nevada’s DIY Nutrient Testing Kit is a simple, fast, on-farm method of measuring the nutrient value of your effluent, allowing you can make informed decisions so you can make better use of your resources, and remain compliant both now and in the future. 

Knowing how much nitrogen is applied will become key to sustainable farming practices.  Use the Nevada Nutrient Testing Kit to calculate the correct application rate for maximum crop growth.

This is a recommended tool for both dairy farmers and contractors.

Content in the kit:

• Laminated instructions
• pH adjuster
• Reagent
• Container with manometer
• Lid to the container
• Measuring tube
• Measuring scoop
• DM meter

Instructions:

Phosphorus & DM-Meter

• The phosphorus meter (of glass) measures the density of the effluent.  The phosphorus content is proportional to the density.
• The sample is taken from a well mixed slurry.
• Stir before the immersion of the meter.
• Immerse the meter slowly into the slurry and read the value.
• If the slurry is too viscous and the meter doesn't move freely, dilute with an equal amount of water and retry.  Then double the value on the scale.
• On the meter you can read DM%.  In the table you can read the P-content for swine and cattle.

Test with the nitrogen meter

• Use a plastic bucket to take a sample of effluent from your storage or spreader.
• If using dry manure, several samples should be taken.  Take samples from the wet part of the heap.
• Remove the measuring tube from inside the container.  Fill it to the top with effluent and dump into the container.
• Add 3 measuring tubes of water to the container.  The water quality is not important.
• Add half a teaspoon of pH adjuster to the effluent.
• Add 1 scoop of reagent to the measuring tube and insert the tube back into the container.  It is important that none is spilled.  The reaction should not start until the lid is tight.
• Screw on the lid.
• Mix the contents with a side to side movement (avoid filling the gauge with effluent).  Discontinue mixing when the indicator stops moving.  This will take 1-6 minutes.
• Read the meter.  The value on the dial relates to the plant available nirtrogen.  The black dial is graduated in kg N/m³.  The red scale is for American lb N/1000 US gallons.
  • Too low values: Add 4 measuring tubes of manure and no water.  Then divide the value of the scale by 4.
  • Too high values: If the indicator passes the highest value on the scale, discontinue at once by releasing the pressure.  Dilute the manure with equal amounts of water and make a new test.  The value on the scale should then be doubled.

Troubleshooting

• The lid should be tight.  The screw thread may need lubrication.
• Don't measure fresh effluent.  It should be stabalised a few days in the store.