Enhancing Crop Growth - The Role of Dairy Manure in Modern Farming

By Andi Anderson

Farmers and agricultural experts are increasingly turning to the practice of applying dairy manure to fields immediately after planting corn and soybeans, citing various advantages over pre-plant application methods.

One notable benefit is the avoidance of potential delays in planting caused by the additional moisture from liquid manure. This can be particularly crucial during the spring season when wet weather can already pose challenges to timely planting. Additionally, the moisture provided by the liquid manure can positively influence crop germination and emergence, especially in dry conditions.

Timing is key in this practice, as dairy manure can be applied as soon as the field is planted, offering protection to the seeds with an inch or more of soil cover. Research conducted at universities has shown that the application of 10,000 gallons per acre of dairy manure has not adversely affected crop germination and emergence in both corn and soybeans.

However, it's important to note that while corn can tolerate the application of manure through the V3 stage of growth, newly emerging soybeans are sensitive to liquid manure and can be killed by its application.

The nitrogen content in dairy manure provides a valuable boost to the emerging crop, although the availability of the ammonium nitrogen component can vary. While organic nitrogen serves as a slow-release source over several years, there is a risk of loss of ammonium nitrogen through volatilization and leaching. University trials have shown that only about half of the applied ammonium nitrogen from surface-applied dairy manure may be available for crop growth.

When utilizing a drag hose applicator, it's essential to apply the manure at an angle across the field to ensure even distribution. The field should also be firm enough to support the drag hose to prevent soil scouring and damage to young plants or seeds. Fields that have undergone spring tillage may not be suitable for drag hose application, whereas no-till fields, those with cover crops, or fields compacted by heavy spring rain are generally favorable.

For further insights and on-farm research results, resources such as the OSU Extension Agronomics Crops team website, the E-fields platform, and OSU Extension's manure research on Facebook offer valuable information and updates.

The strategic application of dairy manure to newly planted corn and soybeans can contribute to enhanced crop growth and overall farm productivity when executed with proper timing and techniques.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev