Page 184 - Nutrient Management Planning Guide

178

Manure Application Equipment

Important Terms

Table 4.5.1 Key Terms and Definitions

Term Definition

Drag-hose, Dragline or Umbilical Applicator

A liquid manure application system where the application unit (e.g., cultivator) is connected to the manure storage lagoon by a long hose. A pump moves the manure down the hose to the cultivator where it is incorporated or broadcast. Drop Tube or Drop Hose Applicator

A liquid manure applicator that uses a series of hoses, fitted along a boom at the back of the unit. These hoses apply manure beneath the crop canopy, closer to the soil surface and thereby reduce ammonia loss and odour and improve application uniformity. Injection

The term is used to describe manure application methods that place the manure directly into the soil, in the same field operation as application.

Manifold A chamber having several outlets through which a liquid or gas is distributed or gathered. Opener

A tool used for opening or disturbing the soil such as discs, cultivator shovels or narrow knives. Splash Plate

A liquid manure tank spreader that pumps the manure from the tank on to or into a metal plate (the splash plate) that deflects the manure creating an application pattern.

There are several options available for applying manure. It is important to recognize that the application system used has several implications for nutrient management, in particular nutrient placement and retention.

In many situations, producers may not have much choice as to the application method or equipment available. The trend in Alberta is towards using custom applicators and, therefore, the choice of application equipment and method is limited to those offered by the contractor. Time constraints and contractor availability often means that manure application happens when it fits into the schedule rather than when ideal weather conditions present themselves.

This chapter will summarize key features of different application options, so that strengths and limitations of each are more clearly understood.

Manure Application Systems

Liquid Manure

Liquid manure (less than 12% solids) can be surface applied or directly injected using a number of different systems, which are changing and improving rapidly. Liquid manure is typically stored under anaerobic conditions, which alters decomposition processes and the resulting end products. The result is that liquid manure tends to produce more odour than solid manure. Odour and related nuisance concerns have been the driver for improvements in liquid manure application technology. Injection systems, drag-hose equipment, and other methods of limiting the exposure of the manure to the air have partially alleviated the odour problems. At the same time, these application methods reduce nutrient loss, and therefore, preserve the fertilizer value of manure.