Use Caution If Applying Manure Now

Updated 2/13/08

Manure applied to snow-covered cropland. (Photo Courtesy Iowa State University Extension, IMMAG)

Farm Broadcaster: This time of year livestock producers can be running out of storage capacity and need to apply manure on snow and frozen ground.  Nutrient Management Specialist Steve Brinkman with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service urges caution:

Steve Brinkman: (:30) (ManureOnSnow.wav)  What happens to manure applied on frozen and snow covered ground cannot be predicted. Snow or rain runoff from any field can take applied manure with it. That runoff can degrade water quality and waste a valuable fertilizer resource. If farmers must surface apply manure now, each field should be examined for suitability. Manure should not be applied on slopes greater than 5 percent. Apply manure away from water resources and make sure all separation distances are observed. Proper planning helps protect crop yields and the environment.

Farm Broadcaster: YOUR LOCAL NRCS OFFICE OFFERS FREE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. 

--30--

Steve Brinkman is available for radio interviews. Contact him directly at 515-323-2243 or talk with your local county district conservationist. For a directory of NRCS personnel, please visit: http://www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

<Back to Radio News Releases