May 4, 2009

Expert gives application tips for smooth spreading, despite rain

One of the challenges with manure application in Indiana and the rest of the Midwest is that producers have most likely not been able to apply manure the last six months because of frozen or saturated soils, said Tamilee Nennich, Purdue Extension nutrient management specialist.

"It's important for the manure to stay on the field," Nennich said. "We do not want nutrients to run off the fields or leach through the soil, especially when there are tile lines.

"We want to conserve those nutrients and keep them on the field. It's especially important to not apply manure to saturated soils or if you know a rainfall is coming."

A soggy spring has made it difficult for producers to get their manure application done so they can begin planting, Nennich said.

"It's taking an already short window of time for manure application and making it even shorter," she said.

Nennich offered the following six recommendations to help applicators stay in compliance with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management:

* When out in the fields, applicators should pay attention to setbacks and buffer distances. Nennich recommended marking the actual distance with colored flags. "What looks like 50 feet on the seat of a tractor may not actually be 50 feet," she said.

* Apply manure to fields according to calculated rates and do not overapply. "When calculating the application rate, take into account any applications done last fall, including manure or inorganic fertilizer," Nennich said. "Nitrogen credits from legumes also should be taken into account."

* Do not apply manure to saturated or wet fields. "Significant compaction can occur with heavy application equipment, which can result in reduced yield," Nennich said. "Also, manure applied to wet fields is more likely to leave the field in runoff or tile flow."

* Be mindful of wind speed and direction and how they may impact neighbors during application. Nennich encouraged applicators to keep neighbor relations in mind. "It's the time of year for graduation parties, family reunions and outdoor gatherings," Nennich said. "Try to work with your neighbor and avoid applying around the area where the event will be held. It also helps to explain why it's necessary to apply manure and that you have a short window of time to get the job done before planting. This may not always work, but it certainly helps."

* Application equipment should be repaired and upgraded on a regular basis to minimize the chance of a leak or breakdown. Nennich pointed out that special attention should be given to joints and connection points to make sure they are fitted and secure. Applicators should check and monitor equipment, including hoses, pipes, pumps and connectors, at least once daily during application to detect any leaks or malfunctioning equipment.

* Accurate records must be kept. IDEM requires the date of application, acreage applied to and field location, application method used, and the source of manure applied all be recorded. Actual nitrogen and phosphorous rates also should be recorded for each field.

The ultimate goal is to make sure manure is applied at the correct agronomic rate at the right location and at the right time to conserve nutrients and keep them on the field, which is better for both the environment and the pocketbook, Nennich said.

Nutrient management recordkeeping calendars are available at no cost. Contact Nennich at 765-494-4823, tnennich@purdue.edu, to order a calendar or for questions and additional information.

Additional resources include the Purdue Animal Manure Solutions Web site at https://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/PAMS/ ; "Animal Manure as a Plant Nutrient Resource," https://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/ID/ID-308.pdf ; Manure Management Planner software, https://www.agry.purdue.edu/mmp/ ; and "Land Application Records and Sampling," https://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/ID/ID-300.pdf .

Writer: Julie Douglas, 765-496-1050, douglajk@purdue.edu

Source: Tamilee Nennich, 765-494-4823, tnennich@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Steve Leer, sleer@purdue.edu
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