2008 Year in Review

From the Fields

The factors that determine the value of manure was the topic of this column in early September. One of those factors is the nutrient content of manure. Key points summarized in a new Iowa State University fact sheet titled Using Manure Nutrients in Crop Production have meaning for Illinois producers utilizing manure.

Summary points include the following, modified slightly for Illinois:

- Carefully manage the nutrients in animal manure as you would manage fertilizer.

- Have representative manure samples analyzed to determine the nutrient concentration. At a minimum, samples should be analyzed for moisture (dry matter) and total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). For additional information, samples can be analyzed for ammonium. Maintain a manure analysis history for production facilities.

- Set the manure application rate according to crop fertilization requirements and for the crop availability of manure N, P, and K.

- Adjust manure rates for estimated N volatilization.

- For manure application rates, consider the crop N, P, and K fertilization requirements and if the Illinois Livestock Management Facilities Act is applicable (manure to be applied based on N or P requirements of the crop).

- Consider the nutrient needs of crop rotations rather than just individual crops, which is especially important for P and K management.

- Allocate manure to fields based on soil tests and crops to be grown.

- Fall applications of manure should not be made until the soil temperature is 50 degrees F and cooling, especially for manure sources that have a large portion of N as ammonium.

- Do not apply manure to snow covered, frozen, or water-saturated sloping ground to reduce risk of nutrient loss and water quality impairment.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
November 4, 2008