Manure science

A & E Labs maximizes the return on land application

By Dan Lemke

Jackson, Minn. — Ron Sinn sees manure a bit differently than most. “It’s a commodity,” says the 20-year veteran of custom waste application.

With AURI’s help, Sinn is taking manure application to a whole new level. He recently opened A & E Labs, short for Agronomic and Environmental Laboratory and Consulting, Inc. Working jointly with Sinn’s Waste Application Services, Inc., A & E will take a systematic approach to optimizing livestock waste application.

Farmers have long valued nutrient-laden manure as a fertilizer; it’s likely been added to soil since agriculture’s beginnings. But natural fertilizers aren’t always applied where needed or in proper amounts. Sinn is hoping to change that.

The right time in the right place

A & E Labs will test the manure in swine lagoons and pits, well in advance of application. Testing reveals nutrient values for nitrogen, phosphate and potassium. Farmers can then compare those values with soil test results to determine appropriate application rates for their cropland.

“In our years of custom application, we’ve found that in most cases manure is not applied at the best agronomic rate per acre,” Sinn says. “In many cases, over-application has an environmental and economical effect.”

Swine waste has a nutrient value of $20 to $25 per 1,000 gallons, Sinn says. If a farmer applies 6,000 gallons per acre, while needing only 4,000, the economic loss is significant. By presampling and testing manure prior to application, farmers can more optimally match crop history and soil needs with the nutrient value of the manure.

“We encourage our customers to presample so we know ahead of time what the application rate is going to be and the livestock producer knows how many gallons are available,” Sinn says. “Instead of applying too much, there should be less pollution and runoff because the soil will utilize the available nutrients.”

“With preseason sampling, the livestock farmers will know they have a commodity to sell to other producers who don’t have enough manure of their own,” adds Lori Kain, lab operator for A & E.

Records a plus

Besides offering rapid turn-around of manure samples, Kain plans to offer record-keeping services to customers. A & E Labs will maintain records of where, when and how much manure was applied, plus they plan to save samples for a full year. Kain says state environmental requirements are making this increasingly important.

AURI Director of Engineering Services Jack Johnson is upbeat about the systematic approach to manure management. “This benefits the producer, the farmer and the environment because they’re putting the right amount in the right place.”

“We’re not coming up with anything new,” Sinn admits. “But we’re putting all these components together and making a workable program.”

A & E Labs can be reached at Rt. 1, Box 254, Jackson, Minn. 56143; (507) 847-4767.