RESEARCH, EDUCATIONAL, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PRIORITIES FOR LIQUID MANURE APPLICATION IN THE MIDWEST

Authors: HOORMAN, J - OSU EXTENSION CENTER; RAUSCH, J - OHIO STATE UNIV.; HARRIGAN, T - MICHIGAN STATE UNIV.; BICKERT, W - MICHIGAN STATE UNIV.; Shipitalo, Martin; MONNIN, M - USDA-NRCS; REAMER, S - USDA-NRCS; GIBBS, F - USDA-NRCS; GANGWAR, M - USDA-NRCS; KEENER, H - OSU-OARDC, WOOSTER

Submitted to: ASAE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2005
Publication Date: 7/17/2005
Citation: Hoorman, J.J., Rausch, J.N., Harrigan, T.M., Bickert, W.G., Shipitalo, M.J., Monnin, M.J., Reamer, S.R., Gibbs, F.E., Gangwar, M.I., Keener, H. 2005. Research, educational, and technical assistance priorities for liquid manure application in the Midwest. ASAE Annual International Meeting, July 17-20, 2005, Tampa, FL. Paper No. 052062.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A workshop on Liquid Animal Manure Application on Drained Cropland: Preferential Flow Issues and Concerns (Columbus, Ohio; November, 2004) was conducted to prioritize extension and research activities in the Midwest. Seven extension priorities were identified: 1) Integrate simple manure application rules into the whole farm plan. 2) Required certification and continuing education credits for manure applicators. 3) Develop web-based fact sheets, video clips, and photos and use demonstrations to educate livestock producers on preferential flow issues. 4) Promote partnerships with agencies, industry, producers, and universities. 5) Develop educational programs for agency personnel on preferential flow issues related to manure application. 6) Develop computer programs to apply manure at a safe application rate. 7) Integrate manure management for liquid manure application into other programs. The top 17 research ideas were identified as well: 1) Pathogen transport and fate rated the highest. 2) Research soil types, water holding capacity, and preferential flow characteristics of soil. 3) Research manure characteristics. 4) Study application methods, application equipment and tillage methods. 5) Develop liquid manure testing methods, sensors, quick tests, and cost effectiveness of testing parameters. 6) Correlate factors from past manure violations cases into a national database. Other research priorities looked at developing alternative technology, adding value to the manure, research on precision application and variable rate technology, researching socio-economic data, water table control structures, water columns studies related to groundwater, storage/handling/application options, fate of liquid manure in agricultural subsurface drains, and developing parameters for manure characteristics.