ID-101 (Reviewed 02/05/01)

Cooperative Extension Service

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN 47907



Animal Manure As a Plant Nutrient Resource



A.L. Sutton, Animal Sciences Department
D.D. Jones, Agricultural Engineering Department
B.C. Joern, Agronomy Department
D.M. Huber, Botany and Plant Pathology Department
Purdue University


Until the last few years, the manure produced in a livestock enterprise was generally considered a liability. The goal was often to dispose of it as conveniently and cheaply as possible.

Today, environmental concerns and tight profit margins have forced livestock producers to reevaluate their manure handling programs. Manure is considered less as a liability to be disposed of and more as an asset to be stored and applied in a way that maximizes its nutrient value. Proper storage and application is compatible with recommended pollution control measures. Land application of animal manure can replace the need for much commercial fertilizer.

Each livestock operation has unique needs, availability of resources, such as land, labor, equipment, waste facilities; constraints such as time for manure application; and manure storage capacity. Because of these factors, each producer needs to develop a manure management plan for his enterprise, to efficiently and economically utilize manure as a plant nutrient resource. Allowing credit for manure nutrients in a fertilizer program and balancing the nutrients to meet the crop needs will enhance profitability and minimize the threat of water pollution.

The purpose of this publication is to provide you, the livestock producer, with information on how handling, storage, application, and use of animal manure can affect its value as a plant nutrient resource. Discussed here are: the factors that affect manure's nutrient content, how to minimize nutrient loss, general fertilizer recommendations for various crops, when to apply manures to certain soil types, plus related management suggestions for maximizing manure value.

(Note: This publication gives background information that is used to determine calculations in a computer software program, AMANURE, which determines storage volumes, application rates, acres needed for manure application, and if supplemental fertilizer is needed for specific crops. Decisions relative to manure handling and disposal involve considerations other than maximizing the nutrient values of manure. Such concerns include: labor availability and cost, type of livestock production system, equipment needs, manure application scheduling, conflicts with other production activities, etc. These factors are discussed in manure management planning publications listed at the end.)

Factors Affecting the Fertilizer Value of Animal Manure

The types and amounts of nutrients in manure and their eventual uptake by plants will vary considerably from farm to farm. The major determinants of manure nutrient content and availability are: (a) composition of the rations fed to livestock; (b)method of waste collection and storage; (c) amount of feed, bedding and/or water added; (d) method and time of land application, including use of additives which preserve nutrient value; (e) characteristics of the soils; and (f) type of crop to which the manure is applied. The following is a brief discussion of just how these factors affect animal manure nutrient value and what might be done to minimize nutrient loss.

Ration Composition

The levels of nutrients and the presence or absence of certain feed additives in livestock rations will be reflected in the nutrient composition of manure. For example, changing the levels of inorganic salts (sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphate, and chloride) and feed additives (copper, arsenic compounds, sulfa drugs, antibiotics, or enzymes) in rations will change the concentrations of these elements and possibly the rate of decomposition of organic matter in the manure. For instance, the use of a phytase enzyme in poultry and swine rations can reduce the phosphorus content of manure by 25 to 40%. Reducing crude protein levels and supplementing with specific synthetic amino acids to balance the ration can reduce the N content of manure by 22 to 41%. Copper sulfate in rations fed to pigs will decrease dry matter degradation resulting in sludge buildup in storage, but arsenic compounds in feed will increase liquification of manure. Changing the kinds and amounts of roughages or concentrates in rations will also alter the composition of manure. Increasing the fineness of grind and pelleting improves feed utilization.

Method of Collection and Storage

Type of housing system and the manure handling methods used affect nutrient content in manure.

Table 1: Nutrient losses from animal manure as affected by method of handling and storage.a

  Manure handling and      N      P     K
    storage method        loss  loss   loss
  ---------------------------------------------
                                 pct.
  Solid systems
   Daily scrape and haul 15-35 10-20  20-30
   Manure pack           20-40  5-10   5-10
   Paved lot             40-60  20-40 30-50
   Deep pit (poultry)    25-50  5-15   5-15
   Litter (poultry)      25-50  5-15   5-15
  Liquid systems
   Anaerobic deep pit    15-30  5-15   5-15
   Above ground storage   5-25  5-15   5-15
   Earthen storage pit   20-40 10-20  10-20
   Lagoon                70-85 50-85  50-75
  -----------------------------------------------
a. Based on composition of manure applied to the land vs.
    composition of freshly excreted manure, adjusted for
    dilution effects of the various systems.

Table 1 shows that considerable nitrogen (N) will be lost when manure is dried by sun, air movement or exposed to runoff by rain, as would be the case in an open-lot livestock or deep-pit poultry system. On the other hand, little N is lost in a completely covered feeding floor when a manure pack or liquid system with above or below ground storage is used. Loss of N from manure is generally greatest with long-term treatment or storage systems such as lagoons or manure buildup systems.

Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) losses are negligible for all but open-lots and lagoons. In an open lot, 20-40% of the P and 30-50% of the K can be lost to runoff and leaching; however, much of this nutrient loss could be prevented by use of runoff collection systems. With a lagoon, 50-85% of the phosphorus in manure may settle to the bottom and be unavailable if the liquid is applied to the land by irrigation. If agitated, the P and K in lagoon sludge can be applied to cropland.

Bedding and water added to animal manure dilute its nutrient concentration, lessening its value per unit volume; whereas, feed wastage will increase the manure's nutrient content. In liquid manure systems, however, feed spillage together with inadequate agitation can cause sludge build-up, making removal difficult. Wet feeders can reduce manure volume for storage up to 50% as compared to conventional feeders with nipple waterers. Because of reduced water spillage, the nutrient content in manure increases considerably.

Method of Land Application

Animal manure is generally applied to land either by surface broadcast followed by plow-down, field cultivating or disking, by broadcast without incorporation, by injection (direct incorporation) under the soil surface, or by irrigation. Maximum nutrient benefit (as well as maximum odor control and minimum runoff) is realized when manure is incorporated into the soil immediately after application (Table 2). This not only minimizes nitrogen loss to the air and/or to runoff, but also allows soil microorganisms to start decomposing the organic matter in manure, thus making nutrients available to the crop faster. With liquid systems, the practice of injecting, chiseling, or knifing the manure beneath the soil surface is especially effective in minimizing odor problems.

Table 2: Nitrogen losses from animal manure to the air as affected by method of application.

  Method of application Type of     Nitrogen
                         manure      lossa
---------------------------------------------------
                                      pct.

  Broadcast without     Solid        15-30
   incorporation        Liquid       10-25
  Broadcast with        Solid         1-5
   incorporationb       Liquid        1-5
  Injection (knifing)   Liquid        0-3
  Irrigation            Liquid       30-40
----------------------------------------------
a. Percent of total nitrogen in manure applied which was lost within
three days after application; wind and temperature effects may
increase losses.
b. Incorporation within a few hours of application.

Phosphorus and potassium losses during spreading are negligible because they do not escape to the air (volatilize) and, thus, are not affected by method of application. However, incorporation of manure would minimize P and K losses due to rainfall runoff (erosion) from the land.

Nitrogen loss by ammonia volatilization from surface applications is greater on dry, warm, windy days than on days that are humid and/or cold; therefore, loss is generally higher during spring and summer applications compared to fall and winter.

Most ammonia volatilization occurs within the first 24 hours after surface application. Because poultry and veal calf manures are highly alkaline, ammonia N losses are greater from these manures than from other livestock manures. Thus, it is especially important that poultry and veal calf manure be incorporated into the soil as soon as possible. Lagoon effluent has high ammonia concentrations and is alkaline resulting in considerable volatile nitrogen losses when applying on land with spray irrigation systems. [In AMANURE the following %N loss values were used: Broadcast - 25% N loss for solid; 20% N loss for liquid; Incorporate - 3% N loss; Irrigation -40% N loss.]

Uniform application is also important to prevent high local concentrations of ammonium or inorganic salts that could reduce seed germination and yields. Use of wide sweeps for injection can give a more uniform application of the manure as compared to knife channels. Generally, incorporation with sweeps (only 4-5 inches below the surface) takes less fuel and this method may be desirable for sandy soils, where the nutrients need to be placed near the root zone with minimal leaching. Knife injectors may be most desirable in heavy soils, if sub-soiling is necessary to break up the clay plow pan. Minimum tillage injection systems, like the paraplow can be used to lift the soil for manure placement with minimal surface residue disturbance.

Time of Land Application

The nearer to planting time that liquid manure is applied, the greater the availability of nutrients for plant growth especially if no N inhibitor is used (see later section). This is especially desirable during periods of high rainfall and on sandy soils where nitrate N is readily lost by leaching or denitrification. However, on fine-textured soils, especially clays, planting too soon after heavy manure application could reduce germination and seedling growth because of high salt concentrations near the soil surface.

Generally, in Indiana, the most practical time for land application is late fall or early winter. This is usually when labor is more available, soil is less subject to compaction, and soil temperatures are below 50 F. Although fall-winter application can result in a 15-50% total N loss if no inhibitor is used, soil microorganisms have more time to break down organic matter and release nutrients for the following cropping season if applied early in the fall when soil temperatures are above 50 F. This is specially important for solid manure, which contains high levels of organic matter. [In AMANURE a minimum value of 15% N loss was used if no inhibitor is used.]

Leaching or denitrification losses of N from fall-applied and summer-applied liquid manure can be significantly reduced by using a nitrification inhibitor (see later section). Very little P or K is lost over winter, although some losses can occur due to snow melt or rainfall runoff if manure is not incorporated.

Soil Characteristics

Properties of soil, such as water infiltration rate, water-holding capacity, texture, and cation exchange capacity affect how much manure can be efficiently utilized by crops. Due to increased soil aeration, organic matter in manure is decomposed more rapidly in coarse-textured soil than in fine-textured soil and more rapidly under warm, moist conditions than under cold, dry conditions. However, fine-textured soils will retain the nutrients longer in the upper profile (where plant roots can get to them).

Because fine-textured soils have slow water infiltration rates, the amount of liquid manure (especially lagoon effluent applied by irrigation) applied at any one time should be limited so runoff does not occur. Likewise, carefully limit applications on high clay soils where drying has resulted in deep soil fissures (cracks) through which manure can quickly reach tile lines or ground water. After wetting, these soils expand and applications can be increased. Tillage of most the soil surface can improve the short-term water infiltration rate of soils. Coarse-textured soils, on the other hand, are quite permeable and can accept higher rates of liquid manure at any one time without danger of runoff. However, because most coarse-textured soils have a low cation exchange (nutrient-holding) capacity, manure applications may have to be restricted to several small doses during the growing season to minimize the chance of soluble nutrients reaching the ground water.

An added advantage of applying animal manure on the land is the fact that it enhances soil structure and increases organic matter content, thus improving a soil's tilth, its nutrient- and water-holding capacities and reduces soil erosion. However, soil improvement through manure application is a long-term process; and initially, at least, the amounts that can be applied are restricted by soil characteristics.

Nutrients Required by the Crop

The amounts of nutrients from manure which can be utilized by crops is a function of the crop being grown, yield potential of the crop, and soil test level. Thus to be able to calculate the appropriate manure application rate, one must have a realistic estimate of the productivity of the field to be manured, and current soil test information.

Nitrogen can be utilized by most crops, but is of most value to corn, forage grasses, and cereal grains. Legumes can effectively utilize the N in manure but no economical benefit from the manure N will be obtained. Therefore, manure application to legume forages or soybean land should not be considered as an economical alternative to other crops unless there is extra manure from the operation that needs to be land applied. The normal N recommendation of corn, grain sorghum, small grains, forage grasses, including pastures, and legumes grown in Indiana is summarized in Table 3. Since N is quite mobile, it is important that the total available N applications from manure, fertilizer, and other sources made to a field does not exceed the recommendations in Table 3. Applications significantly above these rates can result in nitrate movement to surface and ground waters. Proper use of the appropriate application rates, together with uniform spreading of the manure should produce good yields and prevent environmental damage.

Phosphorus and potassium applied in excess of the amounts removed in harvested crops will accumulate in soils and create increased soil test levels. Thus nutrient application requirements will be a function of crop yield and soil test level (Table 3). While application of manure P and K above the amounts utilized by crops is normally not considered harmful, repeated high rates of application can result in extremely high soil test levels. Periodic soil testing is recommended on fields receiving manure applications. Since manure applications to meet the N needs of crops will generally contain more P than the crop can utilize, the following manure P guidelines should be considered: If P soil tests are below 200 lb per acre, applications can be made to supply the greater of N or P needs; if P soil tests are over 200 lb. per acre, applications should be made not to exceed the smaller of N or P needs. It takes 10 lb./acre of P2O5 units to increase the soil test P value 1 lb/acre and it takes 3.5 lb./acre of K2O units to increase the soil test K value 1 lb/acre.

Availability of Manure Nutrients to the Crops

Table 4 shows typical amounts of manure produced annually by various livestock when stored as a solid, a slurry in a liquid pit or a dilute liquid in a lagoon and gives the average annual N, NH4, P2O5 and K2O available from manure with various livestock production systems. Table 5 gives the average total N, NH4, P2O5 and K2O composition per unit volume (per 1,000 gal) or weight (per ton) of typical solid and liquid manures at the time of application on the land.

The actual nutrient value of manure from a particular farm might differ considerably due to the factors discussed above. Nevertheless, these figures can serve as a guideline in determining land application rates if a nutrient analysis of manure is not available. For accurate rate calculations, it is strongly recommended that the nutrient content of manure must be determined by laboratory analysis. At least total solids, total N, NH4-N, P and K analyses should be obtained on well-mixed representative samples from each manure pit or storage. See publication CES-227 and AY-277 for more details on how to obtain samples and where to obtain such an analysis.

Not all of the nutrients present in manure are readily available to a crop in the year of applications. To be utilized by plants, some manure nutrients must be convened into soluble inorganic ions as a result of microbial decomposition of organic matter.

Table 3. Fertilizer recommendations by crops.


                   Expected        N*      Use for Soil P (ppm) equal to                  Use for Soil K (ppm) equal to or greater than:       P2O5    K2O
Crop                yield      N  credit          or greater than
                                        0-5  6-10 11-30 31-35  36-40 41-45  >46  0-40  41-50  51-60  61-70  71-80 81-90 91-150 151-300 >300   Removed Removed
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  -----pounds P2O5 per acre-----                    ------pounds K2O per acre--------

Corn                80 110bu  110       90    60   40     20     0     0     0    165   145    125    105     85    65    45     30     0     40      45
Corn               111 125bu  140       95    70   45     20     0     0     0    170   150    130    110     90    70    50     30     0     45      50
Corn               126 150bu  160      100    75   50     25     0     0     0    180   160    140    122    100    80    60     35     0     50      60
Corn               151 175bu  190      110    85   60     30     0     0     0    185   165    145    125    105    85    65     40     0     60      65
Corn               176 300bu  220      115    90   65     35     0     0     0    190   170    150    130    110    90    70     40     0     65      70
Grain_sorghum       80 110bu  110       90    60   40     20     0     0     0    165   145    125    105     85    65    45     30     0     40      45
Grain_sorghum      111 125bu  140       95    70   45     20     0     0     0    170   150    130    110     90    70    50     30     0     45      50
Grain_sorghum      126 150bu  160      100    75   50     25     0     0     0    180   160    140    122    100    80    60     35     0     50      60
Grain_sorghum      151 175bu  190      110    85   60     30     0     0     0    185   165    145    125    105    85    65     40     0     60      65
Grain_sorghum      176 300bu  220      115    90   65     35     0     0     0    190   170    150    130    110    90    70     40     0     65      70
Corn_Silage         10  20tons 140     115    90   65     35     0     0     0    300   280    260    240    220   200  180    110      0     65     180
Corn_Silage         21 25tons 180      135   110   85     45     0     0     0    300   300    300    290    270   250  230    140      0     85     230
Corn_Silage         26 30tons 220      150   125  100     50     0     0     0    300   300    300    300    300   280  260    160      0    100     260
Soybeans            30  40bu  140  30   80    55   30     15     0     0     0    195   175    155    135    115    95   75     40      0     30      75
Soybeans            41  50bu  180  30   90    65   40     20     0     0     0    210   190    170    150    130   110   90     45      0     40      90
Soybeans            51  60bu  220  30  100    75   50     25     0     0     0    225   205    185    165    145   125  105     50      0     50     105
Soybeans            61 100bu  250  30  105    80   55     30     0     0     0    240   220    200    180    160   140  120     60      0     55     120
Wheat               30  45bu   40      125   100   75     50    25    10     0    155   135    115     95     75    55   35     20      0     75      35
Wheat               46  55bu   40      130   105   80     55    30    15     0    160   140    120    100     80    60   40     25      0     80      40
Wheat               56  65bu   60      135   110   85     60    35    20     0    160   140    120    100     80    60   42     25      0     85      42
Wheat               66 100bu   75      145   120   95     70    45    20     0    165   145    125    105     85    65   45     30      0     95      45
Rye+                30  45bu   40      125   100   75     50    25    10     0    155   135    115     95     75    55   35     20      0     75      35
Rye+                46  55bu   40      130   105   80     60    30    15     0    160   140    120    100     80    60   40     25      0     80      40
Rye+                56  65bu   60      135   110   85     65    35    20     0    160   140    120    100     80    60   42     25      0     85      42
Rye+                66 120bu   75      145   120   95     70    45    20     0    165   145    125    105     85    65   45     30      0     95      40
Oats+               70  85bu   40      125   100   75     50    25    10     0    155   135    115     95     75    55   35     20      0     75      35
Oats+               86 115bu   40      130   105   80     55    30    15     0    160   140    120    100     80    60   40     25      0     80      40
Oats+              116 150bu   60      135   110   85     60    35    20     0    160   140    120    100     80    60   45     30      0     85      45
Barley+             70  85bu   40      125   100   75     50    25    10     0    155   135    115     95     75    55   35     20      0     75      35
Barley+             86 115bu   40      130   105   80     55    30    15     0    160   140    120    100     80    60   40     25      0     80      40
Barley+            116 150bu   60      135   110   85     60    35    20     0    160   140    120    100     80    60   45     30      0     85      45
Grass-Hay            1 2tons   75      125   100   70     25    25    15     0     60    55     50     45     40    35   30     15      0     70      30
Grass-Hay            3 4tons  140      150   125  100     50    50    25     0    120   110    100     90     80    70   60     50      0    100      60
Grass-Hay            5  6tons 210      180   155  130     80    80    40     0    180   165    150    135    120   105   90     75      0    130       9
Grass-Pasture        1  2tons  55      125   100   70     25    25    15     0     60    30     25     20     10     0    0      0      0     70       0
Grass-Pasture        3  4tons 100      150   125  100     50    50    25     0    120    55     50     45     20     0    0      0      0    100       0
Grass-Pasture        4  6tons 150      180   155  130     80    80    40     0    180    85     75     65     30     0    0      0      0    130       0
Cos_Bermuda_Grass    2  4tons 225      100    80   50     40    30    20     0    120   110    100     85     75    60    0      0      0     50       0
Cos_Bermuda_Grass    8 12tons 535      160   140  110    100    80    40     0    300   285    270    245    220   150    75     0      0    110       75
Grass/Legume_Hay     1  2tons 115  40  125    95   70     25    25    15     0    240   220    200    180    160   140   120    60      0     70      120
Grass/Legume_Hay     2  4tons 225  40  150   125  100     50    50    25     0    340   320    300    280    260   240   220   110      0    100      220
Grass/Legume_Hay     4  6tons 335  40  180   155  130     80    80    40     0    440   420    400    380    360   340   320   160      0    130      320
Grass/Legume_Hay     6  8tons 450  40  200   180  155    105   105    50     0    540   520    500    480    460   440   420   210      0    155      420
Grass/Legume_Pasture 1  2tons 100  40  125   100   70     25    25    15     0    120   110    100     90     80   70    60    30      0      70       60
Grass/Legume_Pasture 2  4tons 210  40  150   125  100     50    50    25     0    170   160    150    140    130   120  110    55      0     100      110
Grass/Legume_Pasture 4  6tons 320  40  180   155  130     80    80    40     0    220   210    200    190    180   170  160    80      0     130      160
Grass/Legume_Pasture 6  8tons 430  40  200   180  155    105   105    50     0    270   260    250    240    230   220  210   105      0     155      210
Tobacco              0 1.5tons 250     175   120   75     75    50    25     0    350   300    250    200    130   100   75    40      0      75       75
Summer_Annual_Forag  0  3tons 110      100    70   50     30    20    10     0    100    85     70     60     50    25    0     0      0      50        0
Summer_Annual_Forag  3  5tons 165      120    90   60     40    20    10     0    150   135    120     95     70    35    0     0      0      60        0
Summer_Annual_Forage 5  7tons 190      130   100   70     50    30    10     0    180   160    140    115     90    45    0     0      0      70        0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*legumes add N to soil. Take a credit of 30 or 40 /lb/acre against the next year's crop.
+For small grains, apply one-third of N in fall and the rest of plants' requirement in the spring.

Table 4: Annual manure production and composition*.


                                                  SOLID MANURE
                                               Total N   NH4        P205       K20

                                         Manure
                                        produced    Nutrients produced, pounds/yr
					  --------------------------------------------
        Type off livestock              Ton/yr
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farrow (per S&L cap)                     2.4     21.6    8.4       14.4        9.6
Nursery (per pig cap.)                   0.2      3.2    1.2        1.9        1.0
Grow-Fin (per pig cap.)                  1.1     16.8    6.3        9.5        5.3
Breed-Gest (per sow cap.)                1.0      9.0    5.0        7.0        5.0
Far-Finish (per prod. sow)               8.6      124     48         73         41
Feeder-pig (per prod. sow)               2.3       24     10         16         10
Far-Finish (per pig sold/yr)            0.48        7      3          4          2
Dairy Cow (per mature cow)              14.0      126     31         49         91
Dairy Heifer (per heifer cap.)           6.5       63     15         24         44
Dairy Calf (per calf cap.)               1.5       14      3          5          8
Veal Calf (per calf cap.)                1.1       10      6          4          7
Dairy Herd (per mature cow)             20.1      185     45         72        132
Beef Cows (per mature cow)               6.7       47     20         27         47
Feeder Calves (per 500# calf cap.)      3.5       31     11         16         29
Fattening Cattle (per calf cap.)         5.9       65     24         41         62
Broilers (per bird cap.)                0.009     0A5    0.07       0.36      0.27
Pullets (per bird cap.)                 0.011    0.53    0.10       0.39      0.30
Layers (per bird cap.)                  0.016    0.61    0.29       0.56      0.35
Tom Turkeys (per bird cap.)             0.023    0.87    0.18       0.69      0.51
Hen Turkeys (per bird cap.)             0.023    0.83    0.18       0.62      0.46
Ducks (per bird cap.)                   0.030    0.60    0.15       0.54      0.33
Lamb (per lamb cap.)                     0.5     9.0     2.5        5.5         13
Ewe (per ewe)                            1.2    16.8      6         10.8        30
Horse (per 1000# horse)                  5.2    72.8     20.8       20.8      72.8
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*As manure leaves storage for land application.

Table 4: Annual manure production and composition (continued)*.


                                                          LIQUID MANURE PIT
                                                Total N      NH4       P2O5      K2O
                              Manure produced        Nutrients produced, pounds/yr
                            ----------------------------------------------------------
        Type of livestock          gal/yr
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farrow(per S & L cap)              1,400          21         11        17         15
Nursery (per pig cap.)              130            3          2         2          3
Grow-Fin(per pig cap.)              530           17         10        14         13
Breed-Gest (per sow cap.)          450            11          5        11         11
Far-Finish (per prod. sow)         4,544          130        74        106        103
Feeder-pig (per prod. sow)         1,184          25         13        22         22
Far-Finish (per pig sold/yr)       252             7          4         6          6
Dairy Cow (per mature cow)         6,000          186        39        90         114
Dairy Heifer (per heifer cap.)     3,000          96         18        42         84
Dairy Calf (per calf cap.)         700            19          4        10         17
Veal Calf (per calf cap.)          400            11          8         9         16
Dairy Herd (per mature cow)        8,816          276        56        129        193
Beef Cows (per mature cow)         3,600          72         25        58         86
Feeder Calves (per 500# calf cap.) 1,550          42         12        28         37
Fattening Cattle (per calf cap.)   3,100          90         25        56         81
Broilers (per bird cap.)           10.00          0.63       0.13      0.40       0.29
Pullets (per bird cap.)            10.50          0.63       0.13      0.37       0.32
Layers (per bird cap.)             17.00          1.02       0.22      0.77       0A8
Tom Turkeys (per bird cap.)        34.00          1.80       0.54      1.36       1.00
Hen Turkeys (per bird cap.)        28.00          1.68       0.56      1.06       0.90
Ducks (per bird cap.)              30.00          0.66       0.15      0.45       0.24
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 * As manure leaves storage for land application.

Table 4: Annual manure production and composition (continued)*.


                                                                LAGOON
                                                Total N      NH4       P2O5       K20
                              Manure produced           Nutrients produced, pounds/yr
			     ------------------------------------------------------------
        Type of livestock          gal/yr
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farrow(per S & L cap)              2,100          6.3       5.8        3.2        3.2
Nursery (per pig cap.)              220           0.9       0.8        0.7        0.7
Grow-Fin (per pig cap.)             950           4.8       4.3        2.9        3.8
Breed-Gest (per sow cap.)           900           3.2       2.9        3.2        3.6
Far-Finish (per prod. sow)         7,737          36        32         23         29
Feeder-pig (per prod. sow)         2,037          7.1       6.4        5.5        5.9
Far-Finish (per pig sold/yr)       430             2        2          1          2
Dairy Cow (per mature cow)         11,000         46       26         19         33
Dairy Heifer (per heifer cap.)     6,000          26       13         12         18
Dairy Calf (per calf cap.)         1,200           4        2          1          3
Veal Calf (per calf cap.)          1,000           3        3          1          3
Dairy Herd (per mature cow)        16,616         70       38         30         50
Beef Cows (per mature cow)         6,000          24       12         18         24
Feeder Calves (per 500# calf cap.) 2,700          11        6          8          9
Fattening Cattle (per calf cap.)   5,300          27       15         21         27
Broilers (per bird cap.)           16.00         0.14      0.08       0.07       0.06
Pullets (per bird cap.)            17.00         0.14      0.08       0.07       0.06
Layers (per bird cap.)             27.00         0.19      0.15       0.11       0.09
Tom Turkeys (per bird cap.)        60.00         0.48      0.36       0.24       0.27
Hen Turkeys (per bird cap.)        60.00         0.48      0.36       0.24       0.24
Ducks(per bird cap.)               35.00         0.18      0.12       0.11       0.09
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 *As manure leaves storage for land application.

Most of the nitrogen in animal manure is in ammonium (NH4+) and organic forms. All of the ammonium is potentially available to the crop during the first year after manure application. However, if manure is broadcast on the soil surface and not quickly incorporated, considerable ammonium will be lost to the air as ammonia (NH3) gas, as discussed earlier.

Nitrogen in the organic form must be converted into inorganic forms (ammonium and nitrate) before it can he used by plants. The amounts of organic N converted to plant-available forms during the first cropping year after application vary according to both livestock species and manure handling system. Table 6 gives the proportions of organic N released (mineralized) from various types of manure during the first season. If the soil organic matter levels are high, then some nitrogen can be tied up (immobilized) in the soil and released in subsequent years resulting in much less available the first year. In addition, manure contributes considerable organic material to the soil and increased microbial activity which can tie up inorganic N making it not immediately available to the growing plant. Available N from manure the first year is calculated as follows: [Total N - Ammonium N (NH4)] x mineralization factor (Table 6) + Ammonium N(NH4). The amounts further released during the second, third, and fourth cropping years after application are usually estimated at 50, 25 and 12.5 percent, respectively, of that amount mineralized in the initial season.

Generally, 80-90% of the phosphorus and 80-100% of the potassium in animal manures are available to plants during the year of application. Because of residual soil P and K levels, in most cases we can assume that all of the P and K in manures is plant-available. [In AMANURE, 100% of manure P and K was assumed to be plant available.] Since the P levels present in most manure is quite high, it is often cost effective to determine manure application rates based on P needs and add supplemental amounts of nitrogen. Another management approach is to rotate the fields that receive manure so that P can be efficiently utilized in subsequent cropping seasons and minimize P build up in the soil.

Table 5: Average total N, ammonium N, phosphate and potash content of manure at the time of land application*.


                           SOLID MANURE        LIQUID MANURE PIT            LAGOON
                               lb/ton              lb/1000 gal           lb/1000 gal
			   ----------------------------------------------------------------
  Type of         Total  NH4   P2O5   K2O   Total   NH4  P2O5   K2O  Total  NH4 P2O5  K2O
 livestock          N                         N                        N
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farrow             9.0   3.5   6.0    4.0   15.0    7.5  12.0  11.0   3.0  2.8  1.5   1.5
Nursery           13.3   5.0   8.0    4.0   25.0   14.0  19.0  22.0   4.0  3.5  3.0   3.0
Grow-Fin          16.0   6.0   9.0    5.0   32.8   19.0  26.4  25.4   5.0  4.5  3.0   4.0
Breed-Gest         9.0   5.0   7.0    5.0   25.0   12.0  25.0  24.0   3.5  3.2  3.5   4.0
Dairy Cow          9.0   2.2   3.5    6.5   31.0    6.5  15.0  19.0   4.2  2.3  1.7   3.0
Dairy Heifer       9.6   2.0   3.8    6.8   32.0    6.0  14.0  28.0   4.2  2.1  2.0   3.0
Dairy Calf         9.6   2.0   3.0    5.0   27.0    5.0  14.0  24.0   3.0  2.0  1.0   2.5
Veal Calf          9.0   5.0   3.5    6.0   26.5   21.0  22.0  40.0   3.0  2.5  1.0   3.0
Beef Cows          7.0   3.0   4.0    7.0   20.0    7.0  16.0  24.0   4.0  2.0  3.0   4.0
Feeder Calves      8.8   3.1   4.50   8.3   27.0    8.0  18.0  24.0   4.0  2.2  3.0   3.5
Fattening Cattle  11.0   4.1   7.0   10.5   29.0    8.0  18.0  26.0   5.0  2.7  4.0   5.0
Broilers          50.0   8.0  40.00  30.0   63.0   13.0  40.0  29.0   8.5  5.0  4.3   3.5
Pullets           48.0   9.0  35.0   27.0   60.0   12.0  35.0  30.0   8.5  4.5  4.0   3.5
Layers            38.0  18.0  35.0   22.0   60.0   13.0  45.0  28.0   7.0  5.5  4.0   3.5
Tom Turkeys       38.0   8.0  30.0   22.0   60.0   20.0  50.0  29.4   8.0  6.0  4.0   4.5
Hen Turkeys       36.0   8.0  27.0   20.0   53.0   16.0  50.0  32.1   8.0  6.0  4.0   4.0
Ducks             20.0   5.0  18.0   11.0   22.0    5.0  15.0   8.0   5.0  3.5  3.0   2.5
Lamb              18.0   5.0  11.0   26.0   ----   ----  ----  ----   ---- ---  ---   ---  
Ewe               14.0   5.0   9.0   25.0   ----   ----  ----  ----   ---- ---  ---   ---
Horse             14.0   4.0   4.0   14.0   ----   ----  ----  ----   ---- ---  ---   ---                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Estimates as removed from storage at time of land application based
on numerous samples collected in Indiana; dilution water and bedding
additions can change nutrient values dramatically.

Table 6: Proportions of organic nitrogen in various manures mineralized during the first cropping season after application*.


          Livestock species         Manure handling system         Mineralization factor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Swine                        Fresh                                    0.50
                                 Anaerobic liquid                         0.35
                                 Aerobic liquid                           0.30
    Beef Cattle                  Solid without bedding                    0.35
                                 Solid with bedding                       0.25
                                 Anaerobic liquid                         0.30
                                 Aerobic liquid                           0.25
    Dairy Cattle                 Solid without bedding                    0.35
                                 Solid with bedding                       0.25
                                 Anaerobic liquid                         0.30
                                 Aerobic liquid                           0.25
    Sheep                        Solid                                    0.25
    Poultry                      Deep pit                                 0.60
                                 Solid with litter                        0.50
                                 Solid without litter                     0.55
    Horses                       Solid with bedding                       0.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From McCormick, 1979, M.S. Thesis, Purdue University and North
Carolina Agricultural Extension Service Bulletin AG-439-5 Soil Facts:
Poultry Manure as a Fertilizer Resource.

Other Management Considerations to Maximize the Nutrient Value of Manure

Nitrogen Credit from Legumes

Legumes, such as alfalfa and soybeans, have the capability to use nitrogen from the air with its root system during plant growth. This results in an accumulation of some residual nitrogen in the soil after cropping which can serve as a nitrogen source for subsequent cropping seasons. If a legume crop was grown on land the previous year, a credit for the nitrogen from the legume should be used to adjust nitrogen fertilizer applications.

Similarly, manure application rates should also be adjusted (reduced). The N recommendations presented in Table 3 include credits for the average amounts of N available from legumes or other previous crops. Check with your crop consultant to determine if a different N credit should be assigned than those listed in Table 3. If good stands of legume hay or pasture are incorporated, N credits as high as 80 to 100 lb/acre may be used. Care should be taken to ensure that the appropriate credit is taken.

Using Nitrification Inhibitors

Chemical compounds called "nitrification inhibitors" can be added to fertilizers to retard nitrogen losses from soil. These products inhibit the action of certain soil bacteria that convert ammonium N to nitrate N. It is the nitrate form that easily leaches by water movement through the soil or converts to volatile nitrogen gas during denitrification. Nitrification inhibitors are particularly valuable when used with fall applications of manure and/or commercial fertilizer, since N losses can range from 15 to 50% due to leaching and denitrification over the wintering period.

Research at Purdue has shown that addition of a nitrification inhibitor to liquid swine manure used as the only source of N for corn minimized N losses and increased corn yields. This beneficial effect was more evident with both fall and summer manure applications than with spring applications unless soil conditions were extremely wet in spring (favorable for denitrification).

Nitrification inhibitors are added to manure either: (1) through an open manure tanker hatch prior to manure loading, (2) through a separate aspirator tube with vacuum systems, or (3) into a manure pump (on the suction side) at the time of loading. Regardless of which method is used, the manure must be injected or immediately incorporated in the soil after application to assure beneficial response, since nitrification inhibitors are currently volatile compounds.

Maximum benefit from a nitrification inhibitor is realized when the rate of N added to the soil equals the crop's needs. Therefore, manure sample analysis is highly recommended to insure that proper amounts of N are being applied.

Developing a Fertilizer/Manure Application Plan

Some producers apply enough manure on the land to meet crop nutrient needs and then unnecessarily add commercial fertilizer. This practice not only wastes money and much of the manure's potential value as a plant nutrient resource, but it also can cause nutrient imbalance in the soil as well as heighten the chances of nutrient leaching or runoff into water courses. Repeated applications of high amounts of manure result in a wasteful buildup of excess P and K contents of soils.

Livestock and poultry producers should develop a manure management plan that first maximizes the use of manure nutrients then supplements with commercial fertilizers only if additional nutrients are needed for the crop. The major elements of such a plan include: (1) periodic analysis of the manure produced in the livestock operation, (2) a routine soil testing program, (3) keeping accurate records of fields manured and the application rates used, (4) uniform applications and proper timing of manure across the whole field, and (5) applying manure to meet crop nutrient needs based on realistic yields and to a field every two or three years to more efficiently use all the nutrients in the manure. For further details on how to develop a specific manure management plan for your operation, see publication series listed at the end.

Applying Manure to the Land

Here are some suggestions to help insure safe and effective application of animal manure to cropland. (Additional suggestions are found in the publications listed at the end.)

Related Publications

Single copies of the following related Purdue Extension publications are available free to Indiana residents from their local County Extension Office or the CES Mailing Room, 301 S. 2nd Street, Lafayette, IN 47905.

ID-114 Runoff Control Systems for Open Livestock Feedlots

ID-120 Design and Operation of Livestock Waste Lagoons

ID-122 Solid Waste Handling for Dairy Operations

PIH-63 Flushing Systems for Swine Buildings

PIH-95 Gravity Drain Gutters for Swine Manure Systems

PIH-105 Scraper Systems for Removing Manure from swine Facilities

NCH-12 Managing Animal Manure as a Source of Plant Nutrients

WQ-7 Animal Agriculture's Effect on Water Quality - Pastures and Feedlots

WQ-8 Animal Agriculture's Effect on Water Quality - Waste Storage

WQ-9 Water Quality for Animals

CES No. 227 How and Where to Get a Livestock Manure Analysis

AY-244 Wheat Production and Fertilization in Indiana

AY-268 Fertilizing Corn Grown Using Conservation Tillage

NCH-55 Nitrification Inhibitors for Corn Production

AY-277 Calculating Manure and Manure Nutrient Application Rates

AY-278 Estimating Manure Spreader Capacity

Computer Program AMANURE, ($15.00,l993 price) Farm Building Plan Service, Purdue University, 1146 Agricultural Engineering Bldg., West Lafayette, IN 47907-1146

*Units used by authors include: the Nitrogen Meter, analysis time about 10 minutes. Good accuracy in slurry manure, and a manure hydrometer which determines the specific gravity of manure to give an estimate of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium of the manure. Only applicable for solids contents of 2 through 12 percent. Both units come in a kit, available for approximately $500.00 from Agri-waste Technology, Inc., 3504 Sloan Court, Raleigh, NC 27607 (ph. 919/851-8528).


New 5/94

Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, state of Indiana,Purdue University, and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating; H. A. Wadsworth, Director, West Lafayette, IN. Issued in furtherance of the acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. The Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution.

Reviewed September 1999