Using Advances Spectroscopic Techniques to Characterize Phosphorus Forms in Animal Manures.

Because the behavior of manure-applied phosphorus (P) in soil is dependent on P form, it is important to characterize the P in animal feces and manure to maintain soil fertility while minimizing P loss to nearby water bodies. Our understanding of animal manure P forms and their dynamics, including changes in manure from diets, manure P bioavailability and the effects of storage conditions and feed additives, has been greatly enhanced in recent years due to the use of advances spectroscopic tools such as P-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (P-NMR) spectroscopy (both solution and solid-state) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy.  This presentation will describe each technique, will discuss the advantages and drawbacks to using these techniques, and will suggest future work that needs to be done.