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Abstract
The use of organic fertilizers is an alternative in agricultural production systems to provide nutrients and improve soil fertility, and for the adequate application of organic fertilizers there is a need to understand their chemical, physical and biological characteristics. Testing methods were evaluated to characterize and estimate the degree of maturity and composition of organic fertilizers, which are not contemplated in the NMX-FF-109-SCFI-2007 (SEC, 2008). The methods for chemical characterization included the analysis of total phosphorus and potassium content, because they are not considered in the NMX-FF-109-SCFI-2007 for organic fertilizers. The definition of the fibric, hemic or sapric material, partially decomposed and decomposed material, as well as the color in pyrophosphate, were indicators of the degree of humification and maturity of the organic fertilizers of diverse origins. These tests are quick, with reduced use of reagents, low sample manipulation, and lower analytical error.