Manure is not a liability, it’s an asset. As livestock and cash grain margins narrow for the foreseeable future, producers should start viewing manure with the rose-colored glasses it deserves. “To best do this, producers should track exactly how much of this valuable asset is supplied to the crop to account for its tremendous value,” explains Scott Fleming, Rock River Laboratory Nutrient Management Specialist. According to Fleming, livestock owners should pay attention to three key factors that can affect the value gleaned from their manure: application rate, analysis, and placement.

Application Rate

The easiest means to harvest manure’s value requires little more than the manure applicators time. “Unfortunately, accurate manure spreader calibration is not implemented on most farms,” states Fleming. “Whether applying liquid manure through a dragline, or pen pack solids via a box spreader, the only way to accurately credit manure application is by knowing the application rate."

When applying solid manure, the calibration process is fairly straight forward. “The first step is weighing the application rig to determine the weight of manure hauled, explains Fleming. “Then calculate the area of manure application in acres.” [Note: Area in acres is calculated by multiplying length by width in feet and dividing by 43,560.] Fleming mentions that it’s typically easier to calculate the manure rate for most dragline systems versus box spreaders. Custom haulers have a flow meter in their systems that calculates the manure application rate. “Regulations state that flow meters must be calibrated twice per year,” states Fleming. “This allows for a very accurate estimate of manure rates.” If a flow meter is not used, the same volume per area calculation can be used to determine the application rate but will be calculated in gallons per acre rather than tons.

Analysis

Once the amount of manure to be applied has been established, it’s important to determine what is in the manure. “A manure analysis is the best way to determine the fertilizer value of the manure,” says Fleming. “Proper sampling is critical to accurately reflect the true nutrient content of the manure."

When sampling solid manure, use a push-probe, auger, or spade to obtain a representative sample from several locations throughout the manure pile or pack. If the manure is being loaded for spreading, a sample can be obtained by subsampling several spreader loads. “For liquid manure, we recommend thoroughly agitating the contents of the storage facility before sampling,” states Fleming. He adds that it’s best to make a composite sample from five to ten loads. The subsamples should be thoroughly mixed and submitted as one sample.

According to Fleming, submitting a sample to the laboratory is as easy as placing the liquid or solid samples in a pint-size, screw-top plastic container filled to ¾ capacity and freezing immediately. Solid samples may also be placed in a high-quality freezer bag, but most laboratories have sample kits available so check with your laboratory or fertilizer supplier first to order sampling supplies. Then, keep the manure samples frozen until shipped or delivered to the laboratory. “We advise customers to mail samples early in the week and avoid mailing over holidays and weekends,” says Fleming.

Most standard manure analysis includes moisture, total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S). A comprehensive analysis will likely include the standard analysis specs, plus nitrate (NO3), ammonium (NH4), organic N, and pH. Fleming explains, “these values are expressed in either pounds per ton or pounds per 1000 gallons, and are multiplied by the application rate to determine the amount of nutrients applied.”

Placement

The key to safe and effective manure application is applying the manure in the right place at the right time. “In many states, there are laws in place stating where and when manure may be applied,” says Fleming. “Even if your operation is not under a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) it is in your best interest to follow these rules.”

The rules he references exist to limit the amount of manure lost to the environment. When nutrients are lost to the environment they are no longer available to supply nutrients to your crop. “In general, nutrients should not be applied during high runoff risk periods,” recommends Fleming. “The upper Midwest’s avoidance window is generally in February and March when snow is melting and precipitation rates are high.”

Surface Water Quality Management Areas should also be spared from winter applications of nutrients. “These are areas within 1000 feet of a lake or pond or 300 feet of a stream,” explains Fleming. “Such areas close to water create a very high risk of runoff directly into the waterbody”.

Soil type is the final factor to take into account when applying manure. “Soil types that have high permeability or are seasonally wet are best reserved for spring manure application,” says Fleming. “Since these applications occur closer to the crop use timeline, the risk of loss is reduced.” For more information on recommended application rates and timing, Fleming suggests referring to the nutrient or manure application standards in your state.

With just a few simple, yet effective strategies, livestock producers can make the most of their manure. These fine-tuned approaches to manure application will allow for better use of the valuable fertilizer that is supplied via manure. “By knowing how much, of what, and where to spread manure for optimal use, producers can make the most of manure applications during low and high margin years,” claims Fleming. “After all, nutrient stewardship begins at the farm level.”

Founded in 1976, Rock River Laboratory is a family-owned laboratory network that provides production assistance to the agricultural industry through the use of advanced diagnostic systems, progressive techniques, and research-supported analyses. Employing a team of top specialists in their respective fields, Rock River Laboratory provides accurate, cost-effective, and timely analytical results to customers worldwide, while featuring unsurpassed customer service.