New Phosphorus-based Rules Allow for Manure Application to Soybeans

 New Phosphorus-based Rules Allow for Manure Application to Soybeans

Annapolis, MD (October 21, 2010) – After discussions with the agriculture community, agronomists, and the University of Maryland scientists, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is allowing farmers with livestock to apply manure to meet the phosphorus needs of their soybean  crop.  Although farmers may use manure nutrients up to the phosphorus crop removal rate, manure applications may not provide more than 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre.  This policy helps farmers utilize manure, which is a valuable nutrient source, to meet soybean phosphorus needs.  The existing policy allows manure application on soybeans using a nitrogen rate.  MDA’s recently proposed policy to prohibit any manure application to soybeans is being modified. The new policy is officially considered draft until it goes through the state regulatory process.

“University of Maryland scientists advise that using manure to meet the phosphorus needs of soybeans is agronomically sound as long as neither the nitrogen nor the phosphorus in the manure exceeds the crop’s uptake ability,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.  “To help our animal producers deal with their manure utilization plans now, MDA is allowing the phosphorus-based policy to go into effect immediately.”

The nutrient management software, NuManPro, will be updated to incorporate the provision in plans to be developed for the upcoming crop season.  As always, farmers should keep records of fertilizer and manure applications on their farms.  These records provide information to be summarized for annual reporting requirements and show how they implemented their nutrient management plan.

Manure application rates for soybeans shall be determined based on soil phosphorus recommendations based on soil test results or crop uptake of phosphorus, based on estimated yield.   Manure applications may not provide more than 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre.

For more information, consult a University of Maryland Extension plan writer, a MDA Nutrient Management staff person, or a certified nutrient management consultant.

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