Manure is a friend in crop production

By Kevin Blanchet, University of Minnesota Extension

ST. PAUL, Minn. (5/12/2008) — Livestock manure has seen a rebirth from a livestock waste product to a valued commodity for our modern-day crop systems.

Livestock manure has been a valuable natural fertilizer for crop and food production since the beginning of organized agriculture. Only in the past 50 to 60 years has manure been replaced by commercial fertilizers as the primary choice for supplying nutrients to our crop production systems. However, as commercial fertilizer prices continue to increase, manure will become even a more valuable commodity that is used, sold or traded for the benefit of improving crop production.

Like any other crop input, producers need to weigh the benefits with the potential risks when using manure. Key to getting the most value out of this on-farm nutrient source is proper manure management. As we finely tune our manure management from storage, to application equipment, to the fields where manure is eventually applied, the value of this nutrient source will be fully realized.

Farmers get the most out of manure when they do the following:

1. Test the manure to determine its nutrient content.
2. Calibrate the manure application equipment to ensure the proper amount of manure is applied to the fields.
3. Incorporate the manure into the soil during application or soon afterwards to reduce nutrient losses.
4. Apply manure to crop fields with the greatest nutrient needs.
5. Apply manure nutrients at rates crops can use and not above what’s needed. 

There are many other benefits to using manure besides supplying nutrients to our crops and replacing commercial fertilizer. Manure improves soil properties such as soil structure, which results in larger soil particles and pore space, and better soil aggregate stability. Improved soil structure will result in reduced water runoff and soil erosion from the crop fields. Improving soil structure increases water infiltration and the soil’s water holding capacity. Each of these improvements in soil properties can have a major impact on crop yields.

Any use of this article must include the byline or following credit line:
Kevin Blanchet is an educator in manure systems with University of Minnesota Extension.

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