Fall Non-Stackable Manure Application Extended Until December 1

CLARIFICATION: The extension on manure application until December 1 does not apply to commercial fertilizer or stackable manures. Poultry litter, and other manures with moisture content below 60%, are not included in the extension. These ‘stackable’ materials should remain in storage until the March 1 spring spreading season begins.

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 16, 2011) – Due to unusual weather conditions, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced an extension for the fall manure application season until December 1, 2011. Late harvest and heavier-than-usual fall rains have prevented many farmers from spreading manure by the November 15 deadline.

During this extension, farmers may apply non-stackable manure at rates up to phosphorus removal for the next harvested crop. Nitrogen applied must be credited toward the next harvested crop. Farmers may apply manure to fields with existing vegetative cover, such as hay or pasture land, and those planted with cover crops. Application may not occur on snow-covered ground or on slopes greater than 7 percent.

All nutrient application rates are governed by University of Maryland recommendations documented in the Maryland Nutrient Management Manual. Follow application rate limits due to Phosphorus Site Index (P-index) calculations where necessary. Farmers should contact their nutrient management consultant for assistance with rate calculations.

Farmers should document field conditions and reasons for spreading non-stackable manure past the November 15 deadline in their nutrient management plan records.  For additional information, contact your regional nutrient management specialist or MDA’s Nutrient Management Program at 410-841-5959.

The P-index is a tool that can be used to evaluate the potential phosphorus soil losses as they relate to certain site characteristics and management practices. This tool provides nutrient management planners and farmers with a method to evaluate their fields and to make management decisions based on the values obtained from the P-index.

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