A new method for the analysis of manures using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS)

Fertiliser prices have soared over the last three years and, though nitrogen and phosphate prices have fallen recently, interest in making best use of manures and saving on fertiliser inputs remains at a high level. Conventional laboratory analysis of manures is expensive, slow and, for solids, can give unreliable results. NIRS has greatly improved precision and reliability in the analysis of forages and is now routinely used for the analysis of silage and grain.