Since waste products contain plant nutrients, they are often applied as fertilizer to forest or field crops. When applied at agronomic rates, they are both agriculturally beneficial and environmentally safe. Under these conditions, nutrients taken up by plants or retained in the soil and do not pose a threat to water resources. Environmental impact is most likely to occur when wastes are applied at excessive rates, at times that do not coincide with crop demand, or on slopes vulnerable to excess surface movement of water. Owners of waste products have the responsibility to use them in ways that safeguard the environment.
Nutrient analysis provides the best basis for responsible utilization.
Waste analysis assesses fertilizer value by quantifying plant nutrient content and availability, lime value by measuring calcium carbonate equivalence, and potential hazards by measuring levels of heavy metals and soluble salts. Knowing this information enables farmers to save money by reducing fertilizer and lime costs, minimize movement of nutrients into water supplies, and prevent the buildup of toxic levels of heavy metals in the soil. The value of waste analysis depends on the quality of the sample. Ideally, you should take samples as close to the time of application as possible. Timing of sampling is especially critical if the waste product is not protected from rainfall.