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If you are spreading manure, compost, digestate, or other organic materials this season, understanding land application and record keeping requirements can help support responsible nutrient management.
The Government of Alberta has updated 2 factsheets to reflect the recent addition of digestate and other allowable organic materials into the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA).
“AOPA sets out rules for handling and spreading manure and other organic materials used as nutrient sources. It also outlines record keeping requirements for farmers, confined feeding operations (CFOs), custom applicators, and anyone handling 500 tonnes or more per year of manure or other organic nutrient sources,” says Deanne Madsen, nutrient management specialist with the Alberta government.
These requirements are intended to ensure nutrients are applied where they provide the greatest agronomic benefit, while avoiding over-application, reducing nutrient losses, minimizing environmental risks and limiting potential nuisances for neighbouring landowners.
“With input costs still top of mind, making the most of every nutrient is more important than ever,” says Madsen. “If your nutrient sources or application practices have changed in recent years, now is a good time to ensure they remain aligned with the current requirements.”
AOPA now applies to additional nutrient sources, including digestate and other organic materials listed in the On-Farm Storage and Land Application Code, such as substances from brewery or wine production. The Land application requirements for manure and other nutrient sources factsheet can help you understand the new options and plan nutrient applications that are both effective and compliant. It covers:
- soil nitrogen and salinity limits that help crop performance and avoid nutrient losses
- setback distances to reduce nuisance risks and protect surface water
- incorporation timelines to improve nutrient use
“In other words, these rules help you decide when, where and how to apply nutrients to get the greatest benefit from them,” says Madsen. “If you are spreading this year, it is worth taking a few minutes to review the requirements; they can help you avoid issues, improve nutrient management and keep those nutrients working where they matter most.”
The Minimum setbacks for land application factsheet is a short, one page cheat sheet you can keep in your truck or tractor cab for a quick reference in the field.
Good record keeping may feel like paperwork, but it helps track nutrient applications and use over time, demonstrates compliance if questions arise and supports better fertility management decisions going forward.
The Record-keeping requirements for manure and other nutrient sources factsheet covers what you need to track, including:
- manure or compost production
- transfers of manure or other nutrient sources
- land application records
At the end of this factsheet is a quick reference guide that explains who needs to keep records and what is required, taking the guesswork out of compliance. To help get you started, see the Manure and other nutrient sources record-keeping forms.
Government of Alberta staff and the Natural Resources Conservation Board, as the regulator, can help you interpret requirements and plan land applications in a way that fit both your operational needs and regulatory commitments. For additional information or clarification on these requirements, call 310-FARM to connect with the AOPA Team 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.
Contact
Connect with 310-FARM for more information:
Phone: 310-FARM (3276)
Email: [email protected]
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