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5.3 Records of the
total amount of manure applied.
Throughout the CNMP
procedure, it is important to keep good records. Manure application
is no exception. Good record keeping is a cornerstone to producing
crops with the highest yield possible, as well as utilizing manure
efficiently.
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You will need
the following information:
Assessment
of fields for risk level
Assess your fields using the following classification
system:
Low:
These fields have low risk for runoff or leaching of nutrients
when manure is applied. Manure may be applied during the
winter.
Medium: These fields have conditions that allow runoff
or leaching of nutrients, but can be controlled through
proper application and irrigation practices. Use caution
when applying manure during the winter to assure that manure
does not runoff.
High: These fields have high risk for runoff and
leaching of nutrients, especially during the winter and
following irrigation. Use caution when applying manure in
late fall and
early spring. Manure should be incorporated prior to irrigation
on these fields to eliminate the potential for runoff.
Spreader Calibration
Information
This is obtained
in Step 7.1 through the Spreader Calibration Worksheet
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Use this spreadsheet for your record keeping:
Excel
(*Note- Excel spreadsheets
are programed to do calculations for you. On some computers you
can do calculations directly on your computer. On others you must
save Excel files to your computer or disk before using the spreadsheets.
)
Directions for Manure
Application Record Keeping:
1. Enter by risk level
the field number or name, acres, and crop grown. From spreader
calibration information (Step 7.1), enter the average tons in
a spreader load.
2. Spread only on fields with light shaded squares. Keep track
of how many loads are spread on each field with a tic mark in
the appropriate shaded square. Count the total number of tic marks
and enter that number in the total number of loads applied.
3. Multiply the total number of loads applied by the tons/load
to get total tons applied. Divide the total tons applied by the
acres to get tons applied per acre.
4. Nutrients from
manure applications should be accounted for when developing fertilizer
recommendations for your crops. When manure is applied based on
crop phosphorus needs, additional nitrogen may need to be added.
Manure applications based on crop nitrogen needs will result in
excess application of phosphorus.
5. Target manure applications to fields that will benefit most
from additional nutrients (Fields with annual crops and low levels
of nitrogen and phosphorus).
Remember these Manure
Handling Rules of Thumb:
*Use appropriate manure application setbacks next to water courses
including ditches, wetlands, saturated areas, springs, wells or
pond
*Manure should not be
spread on steep slopes or natural draws that allow drainage to surface
water or ground water recharge areas.
*Do not spread manure
during snow melt, heavy rainfall or when the ground is saturated.
*Clean spreading equipment
at least 100 feet away from wells and water bodies.
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