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" Testing protocol ensures the authenticity of organic fertilizers "
Mukome, Fungai N.D.; Doane, Timothy A; Silva, Lucas C.R.; Parikh, Sanjai; Horwath, William R
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AL
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| Record Number
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944868
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LA3fx8f9rd
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| Language of Document
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English
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| Main Entry
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Mukome, Fungai N.D.; Doane, Timothy A; Silva, Lucas C.R.; Parikh, Sanjai; Horwath, William R
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| Title & Author
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Testing protocol ensures the authenticity of organic fertilizers [Article]\ Mukome, Fungai N.D.; Doane, Timothy A; Silva, Lucas C.R.; Parikh, Sanjai; Horwath, William R
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California Agriculture
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67/4
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2013
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| Abstract
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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.
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