More Manure Storage? Consider Your Operation and Your Neighbor's Concerns

Abstract

Recycling dairy nutrients back to the land needs to be timely to preserve nitrogen and to avoid environmental losses. Manure storages are an integral part of the manure management system on the farm to make sure this is possible. Nutrients, particularly nitrogen, should be applied as close to the plant’s use as possible to reduce the potential for emission, runoff and leaching losses. Fall, winter and wet weather manure spreading have the potential for significant losses to the environment. Manure storage until right before the growing season, with a premium on storage locations that allow quick and efficient spreading when the time is appropriate, should be part of every manure management system.