Cattle manure is a valuable resource in agriculture when utilized properly. On an annual basis, approximately 3.4 million hectares of land in Canada receives animal manure as an amendment to improve soil fertility and quality for crop growth. Manure from cattle contains macronutrients and micronutrients that plants need. It also has considerable amounts of organic matter that can improve soil tilth. Land application of cattle manure is an effective way of recycling nutrients. As such, cattle manure that is hauled out and applied to farm fields or deposited directly by grazing or overwintered cattle reduces reliance on commercial fertilizers and helps to sustain land productivity.
The latest video in the Beef Research School series features Dr. Jeff Schoenau, University of Saskatchewan researcher and professor of soil science. Dr. Schoenau explains the availability of nutrients in manure to plants, how cattle diet affects manure nutrient levels, the importance of having manure and soil samples tested, and tips for manure application on fields.
See the video here: http://www.realagriculture.com/2013/06/beef-research-school-make-the-most-of-manure-applications
Stay tuned for more episodes of the Beef Research School. Past episodes covered e-beam irradiation of beef trim, planning pastures for grazing and hay, and pain mitigation while dehorning, castrating and branding. For more information on the Beef Research School, visit www.beefresearch.ca/blog/new-video-series/
Learn more
Manure and Nutrient Management
BeefResearch.ca
http://www.beefresearch.ca/research-topic.cfm/manure-and-nutrient-management-7
The Tri-Provincial Manure Management: A Gateway to Manure Management Information for the Prairies
http://www.manuremanagement.ca/
Includes information on calculating application rates, composting, environmental risks and more.
Manure Management
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/epw12912/
Managing Manure as a Fertilizer
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=3a8c4fbe-e1ed-48f3-ae85-9340b45d1a39
Composting Solid Manure
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Composting_Solid_Manure
Soil Fertility and Nutrient Use: Manure Management
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub811/9manure.htm
Manure Management Guidelines
Nova Scotia Agriculture
http://www.gov.ns.ca/agri/rs/envman/manureguide_2006lowres.pdf
Best Management Practices: Manure Management (Book)
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/bmp/manure.htm
Manitoba Livestock Manure Management Initiative
http://www.manure.mb.ca/
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