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Title: OVERVIEW OF GUIDELINES FOR LIQUID MANURE APPLICATION ON DRAINED CROPLAND IN THE MIDWEST

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

Submitted to: ASAE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2005
Publication Date: 7/7/2005
Citation: Rausch, J.N., Hoorman, J.J., Harrigan, T.M., Bickert, W.G., Shipitalo, M.J., Monnin, M.J., Reamer, S.R., Gibbs, F.E., Gangwar, M.I., Keener, H. 2005. Overview of guidelines for liquid manure application on drained cropland in the Midwest. ASAE Annual International Meeting, July 17-20, 2005, Tampa, FL. Paper No. 052061.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The movement of manure to surface water from artificially drained cropland is a concern. A Liquid Animal Manure Application on Drained Cropland: Preferential Flow Issues and Concerns Workshop was held in Columbus, Ohio (November, 2004). The objectives of this workshop were: (1) integrate state guidelines and recommendations for mitigating liquid manure discharges from artificially drained cropland; (2) identify and prioritize extension and outreach needs related to manure application and pollution of water resources; (3) identify and prioritize research needs related to the downward movement of animal manure on artificially drained cropland. Regional guidelines for drained fields include monitoring outlets/inlets; matching manure application rates with soil infiltration rates, water-holding capacity of the soil, and crop/soil nutrient needs; and not applying manure when subsurface drains are flowing. Avoid applying manure to flood prone fields, adjust application rates to environmental conditions and ability of the soil to store and utilize manure nutrients (based on nitrogen and phosphorous), and apply manure at a uniform rate and volume to avoid ponding and manure runoff. Extension activities include developing simple rules for manure application and management; requiring producer certification/education for manure application; developing web based fact sheets, video clips, photographs and demonstrations for preventing manure runoff; promoting partnerships with agencies and animal industry; and educating agency personnel on manure runoff issues. Research needs are summarized in a companion paper in this session. Research is needed on pathogen transport and fate; soil preferential flow characteristics; evaluating manure management and equipment application; total manure characteristics (solids content, viscosity, nutrients, pathogens, color); and developing liquid manure testing methods, quick tests, and sensors.