Soil and plant tissue tests can be performed to verify the micronutrients levels if necessary. Excessive salt levels in soil can result in reduced crop growth because water availability to plants becomes restricted. Sodium salts should be at low levels relative to calcium and magnesium salts to prevent the development of undesirable soil structure effects, such as crusting and impaired drainage. Weed seeds Some weed seeds may retain their integrity and viability even after digestion by livestock. Weed seeds can be effectively destroyed by feed grinding, rolling or other aggressive treatment during the feed milling process.
Elementary hygiene is required when handling livestock manure.
It is important to know what the nutrient content of the manure is before applying the manure to land so that the application rate is such that it meets crop nutrient requirements. A well-mixed, representative sample should be analyzed in an accredited laboratory on an annual basis. Field test kits for manure nitrogen and phosphorus contents are available for quick determination in the field, but should be checked against a laboratory analysis to verify their accuracy. Given the differences in feed rations, amount of washwater used and the way manure is handled and stored from one operation to another, it is crucial to conduct a manure analysis of one's own operation.