Question: When manure is applied to fields, how deep does it need to be incorporated? Does it need to be covered with soil, or will the crop residue with a small amount of soil work just as well?
Answer: Most manure nitrogen is lost through volatilization. Incorporating by mixing soil instead of burying the manure under the soil is most effective. Typically incorporation of 3 inches to 6 inches is very effective. Covering the manure with soil will be most effective; residue alone will not reduce volatilization. Residue can help absorb and trap nutrients to reduce potential runoff.
Value of Manure
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