Establishing the value of manure for purchase is often difficult. Kris Kohl, Iowa State University Biosystems engineer says in determining the value of manure, farmers should obtain a test analysis of the manure for nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus and compare it to the cost to purchasing those items as a commercial fertilizer. He says the price of commercial fertilizer fluctuates at different times of the year, so a set time would perhaps be most accurate.
Kohl says manure can lose some of its nutrient value, depending on the application process.
Kohl says it is important to obtain an analysis of the manure so a farmer knows exactly what he is getting at purchase time.
