Agronomic Services — Waste/Compost Analysis

Kristin A. Hicks, Ph.D., Section Chief
Kristin.hicks@ncagr.gov
(919) 664-1603

Don Edralin, Ph.D. Agronomist
don.edralin@ncagr.gov
919-664-1604


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). Standard analysis includes: nitrogen †, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, sodium and aluminum. † For liquid waste samples, nitrogen is measured as Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) rather than Total Nitrogen. Electrical conductivity, dry matter %, carbon (for C:N ratio) and/or pH are automatically included in the Standard Analysis for many sample types. All four are available upon request for any waste sample at no added cost. Please contact the lab if you would like information about the tests automatically included for your particular material. Standard fee per sample: NC* growers $8 NC* researchers $12 Non-NC growers or researchers $25 Samples qualify for the in-state rate if they originated in North Carolina. Research samples require an annual research agreement prior to submission. All research samples receive a 10% analysis recheck for quality control at no added cost. Extra tests available at $2 each:* Molybdenum (Mo) Extra tests available at $10 each: Nitrogen breakout: NO3-N; NH4-N Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (%) Extra tests available at $20 each: Heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, selenium

Waste Analysis Reports and Explanatory Information	Report Search (PALS) Sample Turnaround Times Understanding the Waste Report Waste Analysis (descriptive brochure) How to Calibrate a Litter Spreader Waste and Compost Analysis Guide
Waste Sample Analysis Methodology	NCDA&CS Waste & Compost Analysis Methods
Sampling for Waste Analysis	Waste Sample Submission Form (Grower) updated! Waste Sample Submission Form (Researchers) NCDA Sample ID Spreadsheet Waste Sampling Quick Guide Dairy Waste Sampling Guidelines Sampling for Waste Analysis Composting Makes $ense
Sample Containers	Sample containers are not provided by NCDA&CS. For liquid waste, submit 12–16 oz of a representative waste sample in a plastic (not glass) bottle. Used beverage containers with the labels removed work great! Be sure to rinse the container prior to sampe collection; do not use soap. For solid waste, submit 1–2 quarts of a representative sample in a sealed plastic bag.
Waste Sample Summary Information: 2003–2012	Number of Samples by Waste Type and Year Number of Samples by County and Year

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Last Update May 5, 2020