It seems another fall has arrived, and with it another crop
harvest. Though this time of year is busy with numerous activities, it is also
one of our primary manure application periods. To make sure you are ready,
begin preparing for manure application now. This will allow you to streamline
the process and helps insure proper nutrient application rates. To ensure you
are getting the most from your manure resources we have the following tips:
Collect a representative manure sample and submit it to a
certified lab for analysis of major crop nutrients. Taking manure samples prior
to land application provides nutrient analysis results for planning application
rates and is recommended if applying at a nitrogen limited rate; sampling
during application can be used to determine the actual amount of nutrient
applied. Use your nutrient analysis results to determine the appropriate
application rates for each field based on the nutrient needs and current soil
conditions.
Prior to beginning land application, review your manure or
nutrient management plan and make necessary updates. In particular, pay attention
to the application methods and separation distances specified for each field. Review
these with your employees and/or commercial manure applicators. Know and follow
land application separation distances from neighbors, public use areas, and
water sources. Map these out on aerial photographs of your fields, clearly designating
areas of potential concern, special features, and areas to avoid when applying
manure. Train your employees and commercial applicators to read the maps and
stay clear of the designated areas. Check to be sure your (and your employees)
manure applicator certification license is current. If you find your license
has expired contact your local ISU Extension office to schedule an appointment
to attend training. If you are not sure of your current applicator
certification status contact the DNR Licensing Bureau at 515-281-5918.
Inspect your manure handling and application equipment. Make
sure it will be ready and function correctly. Replace or repair anything that
needs to be fixed to prevent leaks and spills. Don’t forget to check your
safety lights and the slow moving vehicles signs as well. Repeat these checks
daily throughout your manure application season. Take the time to calibrate the
equipment so you know what you are applying. Would you be satisfied if a co-op
did not know how much nutrient they were applying? Of course not, treat manure
the same way. Calibrating may take a little time, but the effort will increase
your ability to take advantage of your manure resources. With ammonia rich
manures, try to delay application until soil temperatures are 50°F and cooling.
By waiting for cooler soil temperatures, the applied ammonia will have a better
chance of being retained in the soil and benefit crops next spring.
Do you have your emergency action plan ready? There are no
simple solutions for manure spills, but thinking through your specific situation
and having a plan in place minimizes the environmental and safety risks. Check
over your existing emergency action plan, update it, and review it will all your
employees to make sure they are ready to respond if the need arises. If you are
hiring a custom applicator, ask to see their emergency action plan and make
sure it is appropriate for your farm. Keep lists of important phone numbers and
contact information for excavators, neighbors who can help, DNR field offices, and
emergency response units up-to-day and posted where everyone can find them. Manure
spills happen; being prepared to respond to them will help protect water
quality. Similarly review your biosecurity protocols. Manure can serve as a
transport vector for many animal diseases including PEDv. Good biosecurity is
not supposed to be easy, it will be inconvenient, but it’s worth it. Communication
with your application crew about biosecurity practices both prior to and during
the manure application is key. Beforehand make it clear what your biosecurity
expectations are and learn about the precautions they are taking. During application,
maintain a line of separation and offer a water source away from the barn for
equipment clean-up. Follow-up afterwards about what worked, what didn’t, and
how to improve biosecurity the following year.
The number one complaint about manure application is the odor.
Work with your neighbors to let them know about your manure application plans.
If possible tell them how long it might take, how long you plan to apply the
manure, and how long they might expect to smell the manure. Inquire about any
outdoor events in the neighborhood and try to avoid applying during or just
prior to these activities. This might seem like a lot of effort, but in many
cases an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Finally and most importantly, be safe. Fall is a busy time
of year, often leading to long hours and rushing to get things done. Take the
time to get some rest, take breaks, and slow down. Happy hauling and be safe.
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