Question:The ground I get cow manure spread on always yields 10% better than that ground without manure. My ground is grid sampled and broadcast to high levels. What can I do to get the same results without manure?
Answer: Increased crop yields following manure applications are common. Manure provides many benefits above and beyond the nutrients it contains. Manure stimulates microbial activity in the soil that commercial fertilizers often fall short in providing. Manure can also increase the nitrogen efficiency of the soil in corn production. Make sure your non-manure fields are receiving enough nitrogen. I would encourage you to put out some nitrogen rate studies in your field to help address this potential issue. Getting the same results without manure is going to be challenging and may not be possible. The application of bio-stimulants may help but can be very costly.
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Manure can offer readily available nutrients and help rebuild soil organic matter.
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Regulations may force manure distribution. Higher fertilizer prices make it more feasible.
Previous Q&A with our Agronomists:
How Should We Handle Stalks this Year?
With last year’s late harvest and the good traits of corn hybrids, what are we to do with the stalks?
Farmers need to know that not using the correct amount of pressure has its setbacks.
Can an N inhibitor replace a sidedressing application?
An
Could the N in manure be lower quality?
A dairy farmer from
We’ve launched this blog as an interactive way for you to have your questions answered by our Farm Journal Agronomists. E-mail your nitrogen, soil fertility, soil density, planter set up, scouting, and other questions to TestPlots@FarmJournal.com.
