By Blake Jackson
While winter manure spreading is discouraged due to increased risk of nutrient loss and water contamination, it may be unavoidable in some situations. This article outlines essential guidelines to minimize risks when winter spreading is necessary.
Who should follow these guidelines:
- Farms operating under a manure management plan (smaller, less intensive operations)
- Concentrated animal operations (CAOs) and permitted concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) should refer to their specific nutrient management plans.
General guidelines:
- Timing: Winter is defined as December 15th to February 28th, or when the ground is snow-covered or frozen 4 inches deep.
- Setbacks: Maintain a 100-foot setback from water bodies, sinkholes, drinking water wells, and agricultural drainage system inlets.
- Slope limitations: Avoid spreading on slopes exceeding 15%.
Application rates:
- Liquid manure: ≤ 5,000 gallons/acre
- Solid non-poultry manure: ≤ 20 tons/acre
- Solid poultry manure: ≤ 3 tons/acre
- Alternatively, use a nutrient balance sheet to determine the phosphorus-balanced rate.
Crop residue cover:
- Prioritize fields with ≥ 25% crop residue cover.
- If cover is less than 25%, a cover crop must be planted.
- Living plant cover enhances nutrient uptake and prevents erosion.
Documentation:
- List winter application fields in your manure management plan and map.
- Indicate field slopes on the map.
Important notes:
- Winter spreading is under scrutiny due to environmental concerns.
- Increasing manure storage is preferable to winter spreading.
- Only use winter spreading as a last resort.
- All farms with animals or poultry producing manure require a manure management plan, including hobby farms.
Penn State Extension offers an online course on developing a manure management plan.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vadven
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Weather