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| Land and Water Department: Winter manure spreading is risky business |
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| Written by Times-Journal |
| Wednesday, 03 March 2010 10:34 |
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Every year it seems the same warning is sent out to rural newspapers throughout Wisconsin about the risks involved with land application of manure during the winter months. Well, we are once again approaching that critical time where the risk of manure runoff increases significantly. Studies have indicated that the highest risk of manure runoff from fields occurs during the months of February and March. In recent years, we have experienced short warming periods or rainfall events during winter months resulting in manure runoff to surface waters and groundwater. The best way to reduce manure runoff during this critical time is to NOT spread manure during winter months. The Land and Water Conservation Department is urging livestock producers to properly manage manure during this critical time period. Refrain from spreading on snow-covered or frozen ground when stacking or storage is an option. If spreading is necessary, follow a winter spreading plan and closely watch weather forecasts. A winter spreading plan is an additional tool used to identify the least risky areas in fields for manure application during winter months. Areas to avoid spreading manure in winter include: • 1000 feet from lakes or ponds or 300 feet from streams • Areas where runoff can reach a direct conduit to groundwater (sinkholes, ditches with exposed bedrock) • Soils less than 5 feet to bedrock • Slopes greater than 9% grade The best way to reduce the risk of manure runoff during anytime of the year is to follow a nutrient management plan. As of January 1, 2008, all producers that apply nutrients to croplands must follow a nutrient management plan in accordance to the NRCS 590 technical standard. A winter spreading plan or an emergency spreading plan is highly recommended and is often required in a nutrient management plan. Please contact the Calumet County Land and Water Conservation Department at (920) 849-1444 for more information about nutrient management planning or other practices to reduce runoff risks. 
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