Monday, May 11, 2015

Understanding Best Management Practices for Manure Application

by Janell Weiss

As part of Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) commitment to outreach on the Ohio agricultural pollution abatement program, we are continuing our series of monthly articles on agricultural topics. Be on the lookout for future columns from Darke SWCD staff on manure storage and stockpiling, cover crops, nutrient management plans and other related topics. All articles will be released to local media and available online at www.darkeswcd.com.

Darke SWCD staff would like to engage the county in a conversation on environmental stewardship. This series of articles will provide farmers with information to help them protect water quality. Additionally non-farming community members can learn what farmers are doing and can do to protect water quality in our lakes, rivers and streams. This month’s article focuses on best management practices for spring and summer manure applications.

Darke SWCD staff encourages Darke County producers to use caution when applying manure this spring and summer. All livestock producers, manure applicators, and owners or operators of farms receiving manure have the responsibility to protect water quality by following the Natural Resources Conservation Service Nutrient Management Practice Standard 590, available at www.darkeswcd.com/agriculture-pollution-abatement.html. This document outlines the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship: right source, right rate, right time and right place.

Manure is a biologically active and balanced fertilizer that makes it the “right source” of fertility for many Darke County producers. Achieving and maintaining soil fertility can be accomplished by applying manures at the “right rate”. Type of manure, existing soil nutrient levels and planned crop need to be considered when determining manure application rates. Liquid manure application rate recommendations also depend on field conditions and soil moisture. A liquid application should be applied lightly enough to avoid surface ponding, surface runoff and tile discharge. Also, tillage or injection of manure can improve infiltration, increase nutrient retention and prevent runoff.

In order to apply manure to the “right place”, manure applicators must be aware of field drainage. It is recommended that unincorporated manure not be applied adjacent to tile inlets, risers, catch basins, tile suck holes and watercourses, including streams, ditches, grassed waterways, side ditches. Recommended setback distances for various features are outlined below.

Recommended minimum setback distances for surface application of manure:

• 100 ft. from residences and private wells down slope from the application area
• 100 ft. from ponds and lakes with a minimum of 35 ft. of permanent vegetative buffer
• 100 ft. from streams, ditches and surface inlets; 35 ft. if a vegetative barrier is present
• 35 ft. from grassed waterways and field surface drains
• 300 ft. from public wells, a public surface drinking water intake and upslope from developed springs

Recommended minimum setback distances for direct injection or incorporation of manure within 24 hours:

• 100 ft. from residences and private wells down slope from the application area
• 100 ft. from ponds and lakes with a minimum of 35 ft. of permanent vegetative buffer
• 0 ft. from streams, ditches and surface inlets
• 0 ft. from grassed waterways and field surface drains
• 100 ft. from public wells
• 300 ft. from a public surface drinking water intake and upslope from developed springs

Lastly, applying manure at the “right time” is critical. Avoid manure applications when there is a greater than 50 percent chance of rain exceeding one-half inch within 24 hours.

Follow these guidelines to maximize crop uptake and minimize nutrient losses. For more information about manure application criteria or other manure management issues, please contact the SWCD office at 937-548-1752.

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