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Chapter 4.5

more info

Additional information on drag-hose manure injection systems can be found in the following online publication:

Prairie Agriculture Machinery Institute and AF. 1997. A guide to pipeline manure injection systems. Research update 729. www1. agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/ deptdocs.nsf/all/ eng9868

more info

To get more information about sprinkler and irrigation application systems for manure, consult the following online resource:

Koelsch, R. and Humenik, F. Not dated. Selecting the appropriate land application method. Lesson 36 in Livestock and poultry environmental stewardship curriculum. www. lpes.org/Lessons/Lesson36/36_ 1_Selecting_Application.pdf

Tank spreader systems are the most common systems used to apply liquid manure in Alberta (Figure 4.5.1). In warmer and wetter parts of the U.S., irrigation equipment is also frequently used to apply liquid manure.

Figure 4.5.1 Examples of Common Liquid Manure Application Equipment

Manure injection involves the use of ground openers, such as discs, cultivator shovels or narrow knives (Figure 4.5.3). Typically, the openers are mounted on a tool bar and a manifold directs manure streams close to the openers, usually just behind them.

The Importance of Agitating Liquid Manure

During storage, liquid manure tends to settle into different layers within the facility, each with a distinct nutrient profile. By agitating liquid manure, solids are disrupted and re-suspended, which facilitates storage emptying and improves the consistency (i.e., nutrient distribution) of the manure applied.

Liquid manure can be agitated using various types of high volume pumps or propeller-type agitators (Figure 4.5.2). If the storage facility is large, it may be necessary to place agitators at several locations to get adequate mixing. Often the same pump can be used to agitate and load applicators.