Get your slurry analysed for nutrient content

Knowing the quality of your slurry can help make decisions on application, ensuring its use is optimised and not wasted. Using a Hydrometer is a low cost way to get the true value of your slurry on your farm. The Teagasc Signpost team outline the procedure involved in taking a slurry sample here

Use a hydrometer to estimate the nutrient content of your slurry. 

Check out this video below which explains the process. 

Alternatively, send a sample to a laboratory for analysis.

The procedure for taking a slurry sample:

• Your own health and safety is the first most important aspect. Be aware of safety guidelines around PTO guards and slurry gases.
• January/February i.e. the first time slurry is being spread. After the winter is the best time to test slurry
• The slurry must be well agitated so that all crust and water are completely mixed before taking the sample
• Suck up a load of slurry from the slurry pit using the slurry tanker
• Get the slurry sample from the fill point of the slurry tanker
• Place 0.5 litres of slurry into a sealed screw-capped container provided
• Keep the sample cool and post to the lab the day you take the sample
• A number of slurry tanks should be tested if both covered and uncovered slurry tanks are in the farmyard

For Hydrometer supplier details, please see @TeagascACP or email catchments@teagasc.ie 

Contact your local Teagasc office for further information.  | Get the latest and up to date Farm Advice here from Teagasc Signpost. | Find out more about the Signpost Programme here.