Nutrient management planning is essential
With the Ozarks currently ranked as the top region in the nation for poultry production, local farmers continue to meet the increasing demand while also using poultry waste for agricultural growth.
Poultry waste can sometimes be used as a supplement for fertilizer because of the high nutrient levels in it. However, it has to be precise and accurate.
A nutrient management plan is essential when it comes to the process of proper manure application to a field. It is a collection of practices that assure appropriate use of manure to provide crop nutrients.
“We continue to learn new ways every day on how to use waste management in environmentally friendly ways to avoid the mistakes made in the past with poultry manure,” said Zach Williams, a poultry science extension specialist for the University of Arkansas.
The following methods are provided by the Extension Poultry Scientists at the University of Georgia:
Farm Mapping: Identify the tracts of land where poultry manure will be applied. Avoid applying poultry manure within 100 feet of surface water. Avoid applying to a steep slope.
Soil and Litter Analysis: An analysis of the poultry manure nutrient level is crucial for determining the application rate. The manure must be analyzed annually. Your local Cooperative Extension Service Office should be of assistance in this process.
Nutrient Budgets. Determine the correct amount of poultry manure to be applied based on the results from the analysis.
Record Keeping: Archive the manure production on the land, and the amount applied.
Proper Handling: Archive procedures when calibrating manure spreading equipment.
Mortality Disposal: Archive correct manure procedures using state Department of Agriculture methods.
Once the determined application for poultry waste has been decided, farmers need to be sure that the spreader equipment is calibrated correctly.
Detailed information on developing a nutrient management plan can be procured by a local Cooperative Extension Service Office.
