Manure Management
Animal waste is a major source of pollution to bodies of water. To protect the health of aquatic ecosystems and meet water quality standards, manure must be safely managed. Good management of manure keeps livestock healthy, returns nutrients to the soil, improves pastures and gardens, and protects the environment, specifically water quality. Poor manure management may lead to sick livestock, unsanitary and unhealthy conditions for humans and other organisms, and increased insect and parasite populations. Proper management of animal waste can be done by implementing best management practices (BMP's), through safe storage, by application as a fertilizer, and through composting. The sections below will discuss best management practices, manure storage, and application and spreading.
Best Management Practices
Best management practices are conservation and land management practices that reduce or prevent leaching and runoff of pollutants to surface and groundwater. These practices are encouraged for all producers. Some examples of BMP'S may include safe management of animal waste, control pests and nutrients, contour farming, crop rotation, and vegetative buffers near streams.
Manure Storage
Proper storage of manure is extremely important. There are many different types of manure storage facilities ranging from solid manure storage systems to lagoons or slurry systems. Different types of storage systems are site specific depending on the type of livestock, manure form and consistency, and size of operation. Prevailing wind direction, slope of ground, and proximity to water sources should also be considered when selecting a manure storage facility. By properly and safely storing animal waste, the input of nutrients and pathogens, such as fecal coliforms, to nearby streams and rivers will decrease.
Click below to learn more about protecting our water quality and the safe storage of manure!
- Video: Manure Management in an Urban Setting
- Protecting Water Quality on Your Acreage
- Developing A Manure Storage Area
- How Much Manure Will My Animals Produce?
- Safety in Manure Storage Facilities
Application and Spreading
Grazing of livestock removes nutrients from the plants and soil however, those nutrients can be returned to plants and soil by applying manure. Manure is full of vital nutrients (nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous) required for soil fertility and plant growth. Simple reapplication of manure may also eliminate the need for expensive storage facilities. For safe application, manure should be applied at an agronomic rate and a minimum of 100 ft away from surface waters, natural drainages, and wells. Unless applied to a pasture, the manure should incorporated into the soil as soon as possible (within three days). Manure can be a beneficial resource when used as efficient fertilizer. To determine the nutrient content of your manure, a manure sample should be taken and sent to a lab such as the USU Analytical Lab for analysis. The Manure and Wastewater Sampling Guide provides information on the requirements for collecting and shipping manure samples.