For producers who don’t have manure storage, these next few months can be downright miserable, braving the elements nearly everyday to spread manure.

But with proper management, producers can make the most of an unpleasant situation.

Winter is defined by the Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Law as Dec. 15 through Feb. 28 or anytime the ground is frozen to a depth of 4 inches.

During this time, those who fall under the state’s regulations — producers that have more than two animal units per acre or volunteers in the program — are required to spread manure only in fields that have at least 25 percent cover and set back at least 100 feet from streams and water bodies unless a permanent 35-foot vegetative buffer is maintained.

These restrictions are put in place due to the low nutrient uptake and potentially high runoff probability during the winter.

When the soil temperature falls below 50 degrees, the ability for plants to actively capture nitrogen and other manure nutrients are significantly reduced. When this occurs, the probability of nitrogen leaching through the soil and into the water table is very high.

With low residue amounts, typically found in silage corn fields, phosphorus also can run off and contaminate surface water sources.

Producers should also consider potential soil compaction when spreading. Running heavy equipment over bare ground greatly increases soil compaction, which can significantly impact potential yield for the upcoming growing season.

To prevent or minimize compaction, farmers should have a cover crop planted on any silage corn or soybean ground and avoid application times when the soil is marginally frozen.

Farmers also need to be mindful of the valuable nutrients they are spreading and maximize their potential by applying the manure as evenly as possible.

To aid in this distribution, farmers can establish in-field stacking areas where manure can be stored for up to 120 days. When conditions are more favorable to spreading, manure is easily accessible.

These stacking areas should be located on soils that are well-drained and have at least a 35-foot buffer surrounding the area to treat any runoff.

By following these steps, manure can be utilized to benefit both the environment and the producer.

Producers interested in learning more about winter manure application, the use of nutrient management plans and cover crops should contact our office.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.