Project: MLMMI 99-01-25
Objective
To extend feasibility studies on the applicability of near-infrared spectroscopy as a technology for the rapid, cost effective analysis of hog manure that has potential to be used for analysis of hog manure during delivery to soil. This project is a follow-up to MLMM1 98-01-15 and will be done in collaboration with the University of Manitoba, Norwest Labs and Elite Swine whose project on composition of hog manure from 25 ponds is funded by ARDI.
Performer
Dianne Malley,
PDK Projects Inc.
Details
Status: Completed
Started: 1999-03-19
Completed: 1999-08-19
Funding Partners: who have contributed to MLMMI in support of this project:
Manitoba Pork Council and industry groups - $12,885
Amount Funded: $12,885.00
Performer Funded: $8,450.00
Total Cost: $21,335.00
Activity
Final Report due & received August 19/99.
Further Development: Dr. Malley is working with Textron testing a NIR sensor developed for Case combines in order to develop a portable sensor that could be used to test hog manure on the go.
Summary
This study added a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) dimension to a concurrent study on long-term effects of hog manure on soil quality and productivity. It expands knowledge of the applicability of NIRS for the rapid analysis of hog manure.
It complements an earlier MLMMI-supported study (98-01-15) in three ways. First, it repeated exploration of the feasibility of developing useful NIR calibrations for nutrients, N, P, and K in hog manure. Secondly, it expanded the sources of variability in the sample set from 7 to 25 hog manure ponds. Thirdly, it greatly expanded the constituents examined from physical parameters, nutrients and salts to include 27 metals and minor elements.
The 75 samples in this study were analyzed by Norwest Lab for % moisture, electrical conductivity, NH4-N, N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cl, and a suite of trace elements Because the samples were stored for several months before being scanned by NIRS, they were re-analyzed in the Freshwater Institute Analytical Laboratory for NH4-N, total dissolved N, suspended N, total dissolved P, soluble reactive P, suspended P, and suspended C.
Samples were scanned using a Foss NIRSystems Inc. Model 6500 visible and near-infrared scanning spectrophotometer from 400 to 2500 nm using Near-infrared Spectroscopic Analysis Software (NSAS). Samples were scanned in a watertight cell with a path length of 2 mm in the transflectance mode. The cell was scanned in a static mode and in a spinning cup module. Calibrations were developed between the spectral data and the chemical data for each constituent using the multiple linear regression option of the NSAS software and evaluated statistically.
Useful calibrations were developed for NH4-N, TDN, Suspended N, Total N, TDP, SRP, Suspended P, Total P, Suspended C, Ca, Mg, Ba, Be, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Sr, S, Ti, V, and Zn. Useful results were not obtained for Na, K, Cl, Al, As, B, and Li.
Analysis of the constituent and spectral data by Principal Component Analysis demonstrated this may be a useful tool for sample selection for the development of future robust calibrations for field use.