DNMP team tests new field inspection tools

Chery Sullivan
Dairy Nutrient Management Program

DNMP staffers Nina Gibson (center), and Kyree Flege 
(right), try out an Argos meter, which measures nitrogen, 
while farmer Dave Wesen looks on.

Dairy farmer Dave Wesen graciously hosted WSDA’s Dairy Nutrient Management Program (DNMP) in July so we could test new field tools for our work to protect water quality. We used some of the soil and manure on Dave’s farm in Bow, Washington, in exchange for test results. 

To test the Argos meter, Kyrre Flege, supervisor and regulatory lead, dipped some manure from the farm’s lagoon and carefully poured a measured amount into a small black tube with an attached pressure gauge. He added a small amount of reagent, which is a substance used to detect or measure a component – in this case, nitrogen. 

Inspector Nina Gibson gently mixed the concoction. As the pressure built in the tube, it gave us an estimate of pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 gallons of manure. 

Technical and compliance specialist Michael Isensee
digs up a soil sample with a shovel to compare
results with using a slim soil probe. Inspector Dan
Sulak stands by, wondering what’s taking him so long.

The DNMP team also tested a probe by installing it in a roadside ditch. This tool logs water conductivity and temperature and can help us tell the story of nutrients flowing through a water body. 

Our soil testing tools included a slim, stainless steel probe, which efficiently pulls a one-foot deep soil sample. We can do the same thing with a good old-fashioned shovel, but it takes more work and digs up a lot more soil. 

DNMP appreciates our partners in the dairy production industry who are helping us improve testing measures that may provide better feedback allowing them to manage their on-farm manure and keep our state’s water clean.

Editor’s Note: My thanks to Chery Sullivan and the DNMP team for sharing their program activities with WSDA staff through the Insider. If your program has ideas for staff features, please contact Kathy Davis, internal communications coordinator. 

In summary: WSDA’s Dairy Nutrient Management team were hosted on a dairy farm to test out some new field inspection tools which could improve feedback to farmers, allowing them to manage manure and keep state waters clean.