Slurry Testing as part of the Farming for Water EIP

Slurry testing is a practice that has been growing in popularity in recent years to aid precision nutrient management on farm. Many Tirlán suppliers have applied for funding to support this action under the Farming for Water EIP.

Knowing the nutrient content of the slurry and soiled water in the various tanks on the farm is beneficial to help make decisions on application, ensuring its use is optimised, aiding in efficient crop growth and preventing nutrient losses to water. This information enables more targeted nutrient application, in line with a tailored Nutrient Management Plan, and may help reduce the need for inorganic fertilisers which supports both the economic and environmental sustainability of the farm.

The average 6% Dry matter slurry is worth €29 / 1000 gallons.However, there is huge variability between slurry tanks, so it is well worth taking a number of samples from the various tanks on farm (Covered, Uncovered, Dairy washings, Dry cow tanks etc.). January/February i.e. the first-time slurry is being spread after the winter is the best time to test slurry, but samples can be taken all year round.

The procedure for taking a slurry sample:

1. Your own health and safety is paramount when agitating or sampling slurry

2. The slurry must be well agitated to get a representative sample

3. Suck up a load of slurry from the slurry pit using the slurry tanker

4. Fill a bucket of slurry from the fill point of the slurry tanker

5. Ideally, using a funnel and gloves, place 0.5-1 litre of slurry into a sealed screw-capped container.

6. Ideally, deliver the slurry sample to the lab the day you take the sample

Farming For Water EIP Requirements:

· Applicants can apply for a max of 4 slurry samples @ €70/sample.

· Sample each tank separately to get individualised results.

· Incorporate the results of the slurry testing into the NMP for the farm which will allow for more accurate application of nutrients based on the nutrient content of the relevant slurry tank.

Validation Validation and payment can be achieved through submission of the lab slurry testing report.

First Published: 7 May 2026