November 2018

Winter manure applications: Steps to take to prevent runoff, nutrient loss and water contamination

Snow-covered and frozen soils make land application of manure a challenge. Producers run the risk of runoff, leading to loss of soil nutrients and potential contamination of water resources. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency advises the following:

• Watch weather and field conditions closely for a safe window to apply manure.
• State and local requirements vary, depending on feedlot size, federal or state permit status, and local laws.
• Refer to your state or local permit for specific details on land application restrictions.
• When in doubt about restrictions, contact your MPCA or county feedlot official with questions. Visit MPCA’s website for contact information: www.pca.state.mn.us/quick-links/mpca-feedlot-staff-contacts.

The agency recommends these steps to prevent manure runoff:

• Farmers who apply manure during winter should review their manure management plan now to determine which fields are the most suitable to receive winter applications.
• Fields for winter application should be level, distant from sensitive features, and have crop residue.
• Consider lowering application rates.
• Monitor field edges to verify that manure runoff is not occurring. If runoff is occurring, report it to the Minnesota Duty Officer at 800-422-0798.
• If frozen soil prevents incorporating manure, a 300-foot setback from sensitive features such as streams is required.
• Avoid spreading when furrows contain ice or snow.
• Avoid surface applications:
  • When there is 2 inches of snow or more and the weather forecast predicts temperatures to exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit within the next 24 hours.
  • When the ground is frozen and/or snow covered and the weather forecast predicts a 50% chance of a 0.25 inch or more of rain in the next 24 hours.
  • During February and March when most runoff events occur.

For more information, visit the “Land application of manure” webpage at www.pca.state.mn.us/quick-links/land-application-manure.

Send the news

The MPCA Feedlot Update welcomes news from partners about, projects, people, and upcoming events. Email submissions to forrest.peterson@state.mn.us. Past issues of Feedlot Update are available on the feedlot program publications webpage.