Livestock Waste Utilization

Pasture Management: Livestock Waste Utilization

What In recent years, manure has often been overlooked as a soil amendment. It has usually been treated as a "waste product". Actually, it is an excellent source of nutrients and organic matter. However, on small acreages or farms with concentrated livestock operations, it can be "too much of a good thing". Over-application or improper application of manure to a field can result in dangerously high nitrate concentrations in the forage grown, and can wash off fields into nearby ditches and streams, or leach into the groundwater, deteriorating water quality.

Why Using manure in proper amounts as fertilizer can save a significant amount of money. It can be used to replace some or all of the commercial fertilizer now being used. Manure is a good source of nitrogen and an excellent source of potassium and phosphorus. It also contains many micro-nutrients. Additionally, when manure is applied in proper concentrations and at the right time of year, the nutrients are rapidly used by the crop, so that they won't end up in streams, lakes, or the groundwater.

When Manure should be applied to the field at the same time of year when commercial fertilizer would be applied - when the plants are growing or just before annual crops are seeded. If manure is applied during the nongrowing season - fall, winter, or early spring - it will often run off the field or leach through the soil into the water supply.

How In order to apply manure in the proper concentration, three values must be determined: 1). the amount of manure produced every year on the farm; 2). the nutrient content of the manure; and 3). the nutrient needs of the crop on which the manure will be applied.

The amount of manure produced can be estimated from livestock research data. The nutrient content of the manure can be determined by a testing lab, in a process similar to .that run on a soil sample. Another method is to use average values which have been determined for different types of manure and storage methods. These values can be obtained from the local SCS or county Extension office.

The fertilizer needs of the crop are based on crop type and production. Generally, the higher the production, the greater the amount of nutrients required. Again, contact the local SCS or county Extension office for these values.

Balance Once manure volume, nutrient content, and the nutrient needs are known, simply "balance the equation". Apply no more manure than is needed by the crop..and apply it When the crop is growing. If it is determined that there is more manure produced than the crop can use, several options are available:

Apply the manure an additional acreage. Either rent or buy more property or make arrangements with a neighbor to apply manure on adjacent property. Plant high nitrogen using crops. Generally, an acre of high-producing grass such as ryegrass or orchardgrass requires more nitrogen than an acre of silage corn. Increase crop production. Increased production requires more nutrients. Manage crops for highest production, and intensively manage pasture with a livestock grazing rotation system. Replant older pastures with higher producing species. Keep any "excess" grass acreage growing vigorously by harvesting regularly. Harvest the "spring flush" as hay or silage. If harvesting equipment isn't available, contract with someone who does custom haying, or split the crop with a neighbor who has equipment. If manure is collected in a waste storage pond, install an aerator or solids separator. This reduces the amount of nutrients in the liquid portion which is applied to the fields. Haul the solids to more distant fields which usually don't. receive manure, or sell them as a garden supplement, either raw or composted. 

More The SCS can help determine manure volume, nutrient Questions? content, and crop production, in order to balance manure application with crop needs. SCS can also help with design of waste storage system for management of manure and overwinter storage.

For more information, contact the local office of the U.'S. Department of Agriculture's Soil Conservation Service. SCS personnel provide technical assistance to landowners and operators through local conservation districts.

All SCS programs and services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or handicap.

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