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Spring manure applications best on dry ground

An extension educator says the best time to spread manure is before spring planting when field conditions are on the drier side for ideal nutrient uptake.

Shelby Burlew with Michigan State University tells Brownfield a variety of factors need to be considered before farmers apply manure to crop fields.  “It truly depends on the farm’s manure handling system, their cropping system, field conditions, weather forecasts, what kind of time and labor is available, how much manure is in the pit and a whole host of other factors.”

She says saturated soils have an increased risk of nutrient runoff and compaction.  “When we look at liquid manure applications, that’s actually going to increase soil moisture, so that’s another consideration.  We always try and avoid spreading on those snow covered or frozen fields.”

Burlew says MSU is developing an EnviroImpact tool to help farmers find the optimal time for manure application with the least amount of environmental impact.

AUDIO: Interview with Shelby Burlew

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