>>> Home Page
>>> Go to Navigation/Site Map
>>> Go to Most Recent Posts
Cool, wet fall poses challenges for manure application
Submitted by Matt McMillan on November 20, 2009 - 12:22am.
October's cool, wet weather delayed more than the crop harvest. At some livestock farms, full manure basins created anxious moments for farmers awaiting harvested fields so they could land-apply manure. Fortunately, November's warmer, drier weather allowed the harvest and land-application to catch up.
Recognizing Minnesota's unpredictable weather, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) officials are developing advice for livestock producers who deal with the impact of wet weather on manure management.
Each fall after harvest, farmers pump millions of gallons of liquid dairy, beef and hog manure from storage basins and inject them into the soil as fertilizer for next year's crop. When land-applied at proper rates and setbacks from sensitive features, such as open water and drain tile intakes, the manure benefits crop production while minimizing the impact on water resources.
"If livestock producers find themselves in a bind, we really encourage them to seek out our feedlot staff for advice," says Randy Hukriede, an MPCA feedlot program manager. "By working together, we can find the best possible solutions. County staff, such as feedlot officers, extension and Soil and Water Conservation offices can help, too."
While planning for such situations is essential, many tools are readily available to manage livestock manure during adverse conditions. All suitable measures should be used to avoid overflows of liquid manure storage basins, and to keep surface-applied liquid manure outside the 300-foot setback from sensitive features.
After Dec. 1, feedlot owners with a National Pollutant Discharge Eliminations System (NPDES) permit who wish to apply liquid manure to frozen soil must notify their state feedlot program representative. This notice should include an aerial photo that clearly outlines the location of the proposed land-application.
