Plan now for fall manure applications

With harvest time right around the corner, now is an ideal time to plan for fall manure applications. The extended periods of dry, warm weather the past several falls, coupled with early harvests, have given producers more time to apply all stored manure in the fall.

Fall manure applications also have the benefit of good soil conditions. Usually, the soil is drier in the fall than in the spring and fall manure applications made on the right soil conditions can reduce the potential for compaction.

Manure Allocation to Fields

Manure should be allocated to fields as follows:
Fields that test very low in P and K and will be planted to corn.
Fields that test low in P and K and will be planted to corn.
Fields that test very low in P and K and will be planted to soybean.
Fields that test low in P and K and will be planted to soybean.

This information was adapted from Iowa State University Extension Publication PM 1811, Managing Manure Nutrients for Crop Production. Also see PM 1688, General Guide for Crop Nutrient Recommendations in Iowa for more information.

Although fall manure applications can be beneficial, there is also a concern: nutrient availability. Ideally, crop nutrient applications should be made as close as possible to the crop growing season to reduce nutrient loss to the environment through volatilization, leaching, denitrification, or surface runoff. Manure should not be applied until soil temperatures are 50^oF and falling. If possible, manure should not be applied to frozen or snow-covered soil.

• Take soil tests and determine which fields will benefit most from manure phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).
• Consult your manure management plan regarding rates to be applied.
•Document manure applications: where, when, how, and amount applied.
• Follow your conservation plan to maintain residue and manage erosion concerns.
• Follow setback distance requirements for manure applications.

Fall 2000