By Andi Anderson
Applying manure early in the fall can be necessary, especially when storage space is limited after a wet spring. As Daniel Andersen, associate professor of agricultural engineering at Iowa State University, points out, storage overflows can cause serious environmental and regulatory issues.
By applying manure early, you can prevent overflow risks, but it’s essential to manage the nutrients for next season’s crops.
One strategy is to apply just enough manure early to free up space, delaying the main application until later in the fall when temperatures drop. Cooler weather slows nitrogen conversion, reducing the risk of nutrient loss before crops can use it.
Planting cover crops can also help. They absorb nitrogen from manure, preventing it from leaching out of the soil and helping retain nutrients for the next planting season.
Andersen advises reducing your manure application rate slightly when using cover crops, leaving room for additional nitrogen applications during the growing season.
Nitrification inhibitors offer another solution for preserving nitrogen in the short term. These inhibitors help keep nitrogen in a stable form, reducing its loss during early fall applications. Though not a long-term fix, they are useful if you must apply manure in early September.
To manage manure early in the season effectively, consider combining strategies like agitating pits safely, adjusting application rates, and utilizing cover crops. With careful planning, you can avoid the risks of early application while maximizing the benefits for your crops.
In summary, early manure application requires thoughtful steps to protect the environment and ensure your crops thrive next season.
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety