Spring land application ‒ Make the most of it

“Applying manure and other nutrient sources including compost, digestate and other organic materials to land in early spring can be challenging, but when planned right, it helps keep nutrients in the field and makes every dollar work harder,” says Deanne Madsen, nutrient management specialist with the Alberta government.

While applying nutrient sources at rates closer to crop uptake can improve nutrient use efficiency, spring is often a constrained and busy time of year. For many livestock producers, manure application timing is driven by the need to empty manure storages and clean out pens. Field conditions and available labour also play an important role.

From a nutrient timing perspective, spring application can work well for all agricultural producers, but it also comes with a risk of nutrient loss. Early spring snowmelt and rainfall can move nutrients off fields before crops or forages are able to use them. These losses reduce the agronomic value of those nutrients. They can also contribute to water quality concerns, affect downstream users and may lead to regulatory or neighbour concerns.

Careful attention to timing and field selection is especially important when manure or other nutrient sources are applied in the spring to help reduce nutrient losses ahead of the growing season. When land applying in the spring, a combination of good planning and beneficial management practices can help reduce environmental risk while improving nutrient use efficiency and lowering fertilizer costs.

Consider the following practical steps to reduce nutrient loss and protect their value:

• Have sufficient land available or consider a manure handling or nutrient management plan. Stay away from fields that are poorly drained or already have elevated salinity or soil nitrate-nitrogen levels.
• Be mindful of nearby residences and communities. Stay 150 m or more away from nearby residences or occupied buildings or structures.
• Watch the forecast and field conditions. Wait for more stable weather and suitable soil conditions, i.e., avoid frozen or snow-covered land.
• Protect water wells and water bodies. Select fields that maintain appropriate setbacks; 30 m or more away from water wells and surface water depending on slope.
• Choose lower risk fields where possible. Apply first on fields with perennial forage, cover crops or good crop residue, following setback distances and incorporation requirements as required.

In Alberta, anyone land applying manure, or other nutrient sources found in the On-Farm Storage and Land Application Code, must follow the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) and its regulations. The only exception would be nutrient sources being land applied under a permit issued by Environment and Protected Areas. These requirements ensure nutrient sources do not create a risk to the environment by leaving the land to which they are applied. Land application standards for setbacks, incorporation, soil testing and record keeping, particularly where larger volumes of nutrients are applied, are found in the Standards and Administration Regulation.

“Keeping good records can help you track nutrients and make better nutrient management decisions over time,” says Madsen. “Producers handling larger volumes should be aware of the record keeping and soil testing requirements.”

In Alberta, anyone who applies 500 tonnes or more of manure and other nutrient sources annually, as outlined in the Code, is required to conduct soil testing on the land receiving those nutrients and keep records for 5 years. These records include:

• soil test results (no more than 3 years old)
• soil texture (one-time analysis)
• volume or weight of manure, compost, digestate and other organic materials handled
• name and address of each person receiving or applying nutrients, with applicable dates
• land locations where nutrient sources are applied

Early discussions with the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) can help producers identify appropriate options and plan manure application in a way that meets both operational needs and regulatory expectations. For additional information or clarification on land application setbacks, incorporation, soil testing and record keeping regulatory requirements, contact 310-FARM or your nearest NRCB field office.

For more information, visit the Government of Alberta’s Manure management guidelines and legislation and Manure management planning web pages.

For more information, see:

• Manure Spreading Regulations
• Manure Management Record Keeping Regulations
• Manure Spreading Regulations: Manure Incorporation
• Nutrient Management Planning Guide
• Beneficial Management Practices: Environmental Manual for Livestock Producers in Alberta

Contact

Connect with 310-FARM for more information:

Phone: 310-FARM (3276)
Email: [email protected]

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