“Applying manure and other nutrient sources including compost, digestate and other organic materials to land in early spring can be challenging, but when planned right, it helps keep nutrients in the field and makes every dollar work harder,” says Deanne Madsen, nutrient management specialist with the Alberta government.
While applying nutrient sources at rates closer to crop uptake can improve nutrient use efficiency, spring is often a constrained and busy time of year. For many livestock producers, manure application timing is driven by the need to empty manure storages and clean out pens. Field conditions and available labour also play an important role.
From a nutrient timing perspective, spring application can work well for all agricultural producers, but it also comes with a risk of nutrient loss. Early spring snowmelt and rainfall can move nutrients off fields before crops or forages are able to use them. These losses reduce the agronomic value of those nutrients. They can also contribute to water quality concerns, affect downstream users and may lead to regulatory or neighbour concerns.
Careful attention to timing and field selection is especially important when manure or other nutrient sources are applied in the spring to help reduce nutrient losses ahead of the growing season. When land applying in the spring, a combination of good planning and beneficial management practices can help reduce environmental risk while improving nutrient use efficiency and lowering fertilizer costs.
Consider the following practical steps to reduce nutrient loss and protect their value:
- Have sufficient land available or consider a manure handling or nutrient management plan. Stay away from fields that are poorly drained or already have elevated salinity or soil nitrate-nitrogen levels.
- Be mindful of nearby residences and communities. Stay 150 m or more away from nearby residences or occupied buildings or structures.
- Watch the forecast and field conditions. Wait for more stable weather and suitable soil conditions, i.e., avoid frozen or snow-covered land.
- Protect water wells and water bodies. Select fields that maintain appropriate setbacks; 30 m or more away from water wells and surface water depending on slope.
- Choose lower risk fields where possible. Apply first on fields with perennial forage, cover crops or good crop residue, following setback distances and incorporation requirements as required.
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