Page 180 - Nutrient Management Planning Guide

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Manure Application and Alberta’s Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA)

more info

For more information on the record keeping requirements and forms can be found in the following resources:

www.agric.gov.ab.ca

www.nrcb.gov.ab.ca

AF. 2004. Wintering •

sites and livestock corrals, Agdex 096-4.

AF. 2005. Manure •

management regulations for cow/calf producers, Agdex 096-6.

AF. 2005. Manure spreading •

regulations, Agdex 096-5.

AF. 2006. Permits and •

regulations for existing operations, Agdex 096-2.

AF. 2007. • AOPA: 2004 Reference Guide, Agdex# 096-1.

Salinity Constraints

AOPA also sets limitations on manure application based on soil salinity, to ensure the salts in manure do not affect plant growth. Manure may not be applied at rates that, if after application, would result in a one decisiemens/metre (dS/m) increase in EC in the top 15 cm (6 in) of the soil. Manure application is prohibited on soils, if the EC of the soil in the top 15 cm is greater than four dS/m.

Currently, there is no simple and reliable way of predicting the extent to which a one-time application of manure is likely to impact soil EC at a given site. Regular soil sampling is the most reliable way to assess and monitor changes in soil salinity. It is important to identify saline areas during the site assessment since these areas may reduce the total area available for manure application.

NMPs Under AOPA

NMPs are not mandatory for every person who applies manure . Under AOPA, an approved NMP is required if a person wants to exceed the soil nitrate-nitrogen or salinity limits when applying manure. The NRCB can approve a NMP for applying manure in excess of the limits if the NRCB is satisfied that implementing the NMP will not adversely affect the soil or the environment.

Manure Handling Plans under AOPA

A person applying for a CFO permit can submit a manure handling plan to the NRCB for approval to reduce or eliminate the need to meet the manure application and storage requirements under AOPA. The NRCB may approve a manure handling plan that provides an alternative to complying with the manure application and storage requirements. For example, an operation may submit a manure handling plan where an agreement is in place with others who will be accepting the manure from the operation. Manure production and transfer records must also be kept in these situations.