Agronomic Services — Waste/Compost Analysis

Brenda Cleveland, section chief

Laboratory Certifications

Waste analysis helps growers make responsible decisions about the use of farm, municipal and industrial wastes and by-products as fertilizer materials for crop production. Predictions of first-crop nutrient availability are provided according to application method (e.g., surface broadcasting, soil incorporation, injection or irrigation). Laboratory analyses for total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, copper and zinc are certified by the state's Division of Water Quality for compliance with the environmental regulations specified in N.C. Senate Bill 1217. Waste analysis can also be used to determine the stability and quality of composted materials or to guide the mixing of raw materials for optimal composting. In addition to the standard measurements included on the Waste Analysis Report, a compost analysis includes carbon, carbon-nitrogen ratio, pH and soluble salts (electrical conductivity).

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