Winter manure management considerations

Wallace. “Include a schedule for spreading activities in advance and time those activities to avoid winter spreading. A plan that includes preventative maintenance activities and additional storage solutions further reduces the likelihood of having to spread in the winter.”

Having a well thought out plan is invaluable when faced with an emergency and therefore should identify suitable fields for emergency spreading by:

• collecting and analyzing information about potential manure spreading lands such as soil test records, runoff potential, direction and potential downslope receptors

• assessing those fields for runoff risk

• implementing setbacks from water bodies and wells, as well as nearby residences

• deciding which application methods to use, and mitigating factors to reduce risks (for example, working a field in the fall perpendicular to the direction of slope to slow runoff) “Preparing for winter spreading, even if you end up not needing to, will save you time, money and stress if the need arises, not to mention, if the NRCB is aware of the plan, decisions on spreading can be made faster. If accepted, the NRCB can respond in an informed way to complaints and concerns should they occur. Planning for winter spreading situations shows that you are a responsible operator, helping to support or improve your industry’s positive image and that you care for your neighbours and community.”

For more information, on the legislative requirements and avoiding manure application on frozen or snow-covered ground, check out the Nutrient Management Webinar to hear from Trevor Wallace, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation’s nutrient management specialist and Kevin Seward, NRCB compliance manager. Alternatively call 310-FARM (3276) or email 310farm@gov.ab.ca.