Plant Nutrient Content Database Documentation

Introduction

The information contained in this database has been compiled by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It represents estimates of the typical nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in harvested plant biomass. Data is available for many grain, seed, and forage crops.

The values contained in the database are the average nutrient content for each of the three nutrients. The averages were calculated from data contained in the following references:

Howard, F.D., MacGillivray, J.H., and Yamaguchi, M., Nutrient Composition of Fresh California Grown Vegetables, California Agricultural Experiment Station, Bulletin No. 788, California Department of Agriculture, September 1962.

Morrison, F.B., Feeds and Feeding, A Handbook for Student and Stockman, 1959.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Human Information Service, Consumer Nutrition Center, Composition of Foods, Fruits, and Fruit Juices, Raw, Processed, Prepared, Agricultural Handbook No. 8-9, August 1982.

Fonnesback, P.V., Lloyd, H., Obray, R., and Romesburg, S., IFI Tables of Feed Conversion, International Feedstuffs Institute, Utah Agricultural Experimentation Station, November 1984.

National Research Council, Board on Agriculture, Committee on Animal Nutrition, and Canada Department of Agriculture, Research Branch, Committee on Feed Composition, Atlas of Nutritional Data On United States and Canadian Feeds, (Washington, D.C., National Academy of Sciences, 1971).

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Human Nutrition Information Service, Nutrition Monitoring Division, Composition of Foods, Nut, and Seed Products, Raw, Processed, Prepared, Agricultural Handbook No. 8-12 (Washington, D.C., U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1984).

Ensminger, M.E., Oldfield, J.E., and Heinemann, W.W., Feeds and Nutrition, Second Edition, 1990.

Presentation and use of Data

The plant nutrient content data is presented in two formats.

Data is presented as a percent of total biomass at 100 percent dry matter. Persons who wish to use the factors presented in this format to estimate nutrient composition must know the typical dry matter content of the plant biomass and the weight of the material.

Data is also presented as pounds of nutrient contained in a selected yield unit at a typical harvest dry matter content. Data for plant biomass residue, which may or may not be harvested, is also presented as a function of the yield unit for the crop.

Persons who wish to use these factors to estimate nutrient composition must know only the yield of the crop for which they wish to estimate nutrient composition. If this is a per acre yield, the estimates will be the nutrient content of the plant biomass harvested, or removed, from an acre(s) of land for the crop.

Missing Data

The sources used to compile the information in this database did not always include data for each of the three macronutrients. In such cases, "n/a" designates the lack of data for the element. Individuals who have data for any crop and element for which this database has the symbol "n/a" are encouraged to submit their information to NRCS for inclusion in the database. Such data and appropriate documentation may be sent to Norm Widman. Send information to: norm.widman@wdc.usda.gov.

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