1. Testing protocol ensures the authenticity of organic fertilizers
- Author
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Fungai N.D. Mukome, Timothy A. Doane, Lucas C.R. Silva, Sanjai Parikh, and William Horwath
- Subjects
organic fertilizers ,Agriculture - Abstract
There is a pressing need for methodology to confirm the authenticity of fertilizers labeled "suitable for organic production." In this study, we developed a testing protocol that can be used by laboratories and regulatory agencies to detect adulteration of organic fertilizers and soil amendments with a synthetic nitrogen source. By conducting an extensive literature review and analysis of 180 commercially available raw materials, organic fertilizers, soil amendments and synthetic fertilizers, we compiled a comprehensive database of quantifiable properties of those materials. We analyzed their ammonium content, C:N ratio and stable nitrogen isotope ratio, and for each metric we set thresholds that flag products with a high probability of adulteration. The protocol can be used to authenticate organic fertilizer products and bring transparency to the industry.
- Published
- 2013
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