Manure as a Resource
Using Manure as a Nutrient Source in Crop and Garden Production. The separation of animal agriculture from crop production has led to accumulation of excess manure on livestock farms. Crop farms can benefit from this manure as a source of nutrients and organic matter, if the manure is suitable for their needs and shipping does not make the cost prohibitive. We are assessing the nutrient value of different sources of manure and their suitability for crop production. Our publication, "Fertilizing with Manure" is a guide for crop farmers for evaluating manure sources, testing manure, and applying manure.
Horse manure and soil nitrogen. Horse manure is an abundant, locally available source of organic matter for soils. A major concern about horse manure is that it can cause a nitrogen deficiency when added to soils, leading to stunted, yellowed crops. In a study of 36 farms and stables in King County we measured nitrogen levels in horse manure
Managing Dairy Manure to Protect Water Quality. Water quality problems, changing herd management patterns, and increased regulation have made manure management a critical issue for dairy farmers. Our immediate goal is to help dairy farmers improve the use of manure to increase agronomic benefits and reduce the risk of over-application, runoff, and leaching. Our long-term goal is to help farmers identify chronic nutrient imbalances, and develop ways to reduce nutrient imports or increase exports. We have done research on 1) rate and timing of dairy slurry applications to forage grass, 2) pre-sidedress nitrate testing for corn, 3) whole-farm flows on dairies. Manure application rates have traditionally been based on nitrogen, but phosphorus has emerged as the nutrient of concern in many watersheds.
Links:
- Minimizing Phosphorus Losses from Agriculture.
- Western Integrated Nutrient Management Education. Focus is on nitrogen and phosphorus management for animal manure and other organic by-products. A comprehensive set of links provides access to nutrient management websites, publications, software and maps.
- Environmental Stewardship for Small-Scale Animal Producers. This is a series of fact sheets on topics including manure management, pastures, runoff, protecting water quality, animal mortalities, and environmental stewardship for horse owners. This link includes an opportunity to review these bulletins and share your comments with the authors.
Publications:
Bary, A., C. Cogger, and D.M. Sullivan. 2000. Fertilizing with manure. Washington State University Cooperative Extension, Oregon State University Cooperative Extension System, US Department of Agriculture. PNW0533 [online pdf]
Bary, A.I., D.M. Sullivan, S.C. Fransen, and C.G. Cogger. 2001. Supercow: A liquid manure applicator for small plot research. Agronomy J. 93:1344-1345. [ publication plus additional images]
Cogger, C.G. 2004. Manure on you farm: asset or liability. LPES Small Farms Fact Sheet. [online pdf]
Cogger, C.G., T.N. Cramer, A.I. Bary, and D.C. Grusenmeyer. 1998. A whole-farm approach to manure management. p. 581-586. In Animal Production Systems and the Environment. Des Moines, IA, 19-22 July, 1998. [online pdf]
Gale, E.S., D.M. Sullivan, C.G. Cogger, A.I. Bary, D.D. Hemphill, and E.A. Myhre. 2006. Estimating plant-available nitrogen release from manures, composts, and specialty products. J. Environ. Qual. 35:2321-2332. [ Email for pdf e-copy. ]
Marx, E.S., N.W. Christensen, J. Hart, M. Gangwer, C.G. Cogger, and A.I. Bary. 1996. The pre-sidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT). Bulletin EM 8650. Oregon State University Extension Service. [online html and pdf]
Sullivan, D.M. and C.G. Cogger. 2003. Post harvest soil nitrate testing for manured cropping systems west of the Cascades. EM8832-E. Oregon State University Extension Service. [online pdf]
Sullivan, D.M., C.G. Cogger, and A.I. Bary. 1997. Date, rate, and place: The field book for dairy manure applications. PNW 506. Oregon State University Extension Service. [preview sample online (pdf), or order hardcopy $5.50]
Sullivan, D.M., C.G. Cogger, and A.I. Bary. 1997. Which test is best? Customizing dairy manure nutrient testing. PNW 505. Oregon State University Extension Service. [online pdf]
Sullivan, D.M., C.G. Cogger, A.I. Bary, and S.C. Fransen. 2000. Timing of dairy manure applications to perennial grass on well-drained and poorly-drained soils. J. Soil & Water Conservation. J. Soil and Water Conservation 55:147-152. [refereed journal, abstract - html]
Sullivan, D.M., S.C. Fransen, C.G. Cogger, and A.I. Bary. 1997. Biosolids and dairy manure as nitrogen sources for prairiegrass on a poorly drained soil. J. Prod. Agric. 10:589-596. [refereed journal, abstract - html]