Manure Management Basics

Closeup of hog snout

How Does Manure Management Help?

Proper manure management benefits the producer as well as the rest of the ecosystem. Application of manures to the land at the proper time- using proper management techniques and in proper amounts- recycles the nutrients through the soil profile, reducing the expense of commercial (inorganic) fertilizers as well as the need to add organic matter. Proper manure management improves water quality by preventing pollutants such as nutrients, organics, and pathogens from migrating to surface and ground waters. Soil quality is also improved through the addition of organic material that increases the soil's water holding capacity. Likewise, air quality also benefits from reduced emissions of methane and ammonia compounds, as well as reduces odors. 

The first step in manure management is knowing how much manure your animals will produce, and how you will handle it.

How Much Manure do Different Types of Livestock Produce?

Below is a table showing livestock type and the nutrients in total manure.

Livestock Type Total Manure Nitrogen Phosphorus
Beef 1 59.1 0.31  0.11
Dairy 2 80.0  0.45  0.07
Hogs and Pigs 3 63.1  0.42  0.16
Chickens (layers) 60.5  0.83  0.31
Chickens (broilers)  80.0  1.10  0.34
Turkey  43.6  0.74  0.28

(lbs/ day/ 1000-lb animal unit) 1 High Forage diet  2 Lactating Cow  3 Grower
Source: Natural Resource Conservation Service, Agricultural Waste Management Handbook (1992).

Additional Resources

Below are helpful publications on manure management basics. You can access this information by clicking buttons below.

Northeast Recycle Council Quick Reference Guide 

Manure management calculations.

Northeast Recycle Council Quick Reference Guide 

Manure and Wastewater Sampling Guide

Manure and wastewater sampling methods and instructions

Manure and Wastewater Sampling Guide

Resources for Small Farms

Protecting Water Quality on Your Acreage

Factsheet covering the importance of, and ways to, protect water quality.

Protecting Water Quality on Your Acreage

Manure Management in an Urban Setting

Video on manure management for small scale livestock owners.

Manure Management in an Urban Setting

How Much Manure Will My Animals Produce?

Manure management calculations for small scale livestock owners.

Manure Management in an Urban Setting