Long Term Nutrient Management BMPs for Manure Applied to Annual and Perennial Crops

Project: MLMMI 2014-03

Objective

From a nutrient perspective, Manitoba's livestock industry is now faced with full implementation of phosphorus-based manure management regulations. To address this challenge successfully, livestock producers need locally validated, scientifically sound information on the short and long term behaviour and fate of soil-applied manure nutrients for different sources and forms of manure. This information on the immediate and residual fertility value of various forms and sources of manure is necessary to optimize manure and crop nutrient management.

This project includes evaluation and development of improved manure application beneficial management practices (BMPs), especially those that will help pork and dairy producers to use practical, affordable nutrient management practices that will maximize crop nutrient uptake, minimize nutrient loss and conform to regulatory thresholds for P and N in soil.

Performer

Dr. Don Flaten,
Department of Soil Science,
University of Manitoba

Details

Status: Completed
Started: 2014-04-01
Completed: 2016-03-31

Funding Partners: This project received support from the Manitoba Livestock Manure Management Initiative (MLMMI). MLMMI is funded by the Canada and Manitoba governments through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. MLMMI also receives funds from the Manitoba Pork Council. Growing Forward 2 funding: $49,974 Manitoba Pork Council funding: $49,973 Total amount funded: $99,947

Amount Funded: $99,947.00
Performer Funded: $0.00
Total Cost: $99,947.00

Activity

Final report due March 15, 2016.

Summary

The availability of nutrients from annual applications of manure clearly varies with the type of manure and rotation.

This project found that the standard formulas used for estimating the availability of N from solid pig and dairy manures are not accurate. While less N is available in the early years following manure application, this long term study shows that the availability of manure organic N may increase, rather than decrease with time, opposite to the front-end-loaded decay concept built into current recommendations. For additional findings, see the full report.

Documents

Final Report

Manitoba Pork represents 624 Manitoba hog farms