Have you checked the runoff risk of your field? DATCP is asking farmers and manure applicators to check the advisory forecast before spreading manure.
The runoff risk advisory forecast helps determine the potential for manure runoff from a field depending on weather conditions and soil temperature. The tool includes maps showing short-term runoff risk for manure application planning. The maps account for soil saturation, temperature, and precipitation on a scale of 4km grids.
The National Weather Service updates the forecast four times daily: http://www.manureadvisorysystem.wi.gov/runoffrisk/index
“A nutrient management plan helps determine where to spread and the proper application rate while the runoff risk advisory forecast helps determine when to spread,” says Andrea Topper, DATCP soil and watershed management training and outreach conservation specialist. “Assessing current field conditions is just one step in the process farmers should use to make decisions.”
Topper adds that farmers who don’t have a plan can talk to their crop consultant or county conservationist to develop one.
Find more info on nutrient management planning: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/NutrientManagement.aspx
Alternatives to High-Risk Manure Spreading
Farmers should contact their crop consultant, county land conservation office, or the DNR for help identifying alternatives to high-risk spreading. These professionals can help identify fields where the risk is lower and alternative practices, such as stacking manure in a safe location.
Manure Spill Requirements
DATCP reminds manure haulers and drivers to put safety first when traveling on roadways in order to avoid spilling manure, prevent injuries, and protect the health of people and the environment.
“About one third of preventable transportation-related manure spills are due to operator error,” says Kevin Erb, Extension conservation professional training program director. “Attentive driving and maintaining your equipment are two ways to reduce the risk of an accidental manure spill. An accidental spill is not illegal, but failing to properly report and clean it up is.”
All agriculture and livestock operations must report spills or runoff affecting water to the DNR’s 24-hour emergency spills hotline at (800) 943-0003.
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