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