Fall Manure Application Extended Until December 1

Fall Manure Application Extended Until December 1 Farmers Reminded toDocument Field Conditions in Nutrient Management Records

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

During this extension, farmers may apply manure at rates up to phosphorusremoval for the next harvested crop. Nitrogen applied must be creditedtoward the next harvested crop. Farmers may apply manure to fields withexisting vegetative cover, such as hay or pasture land, and those plantedwith cover crops. Application may not occur on snow-covered ground or onslopes greater than 7 percent.

All nutrient application rates are governed by University of Marylandrecommendations 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 nutrientmanagement consultant for assistance with rate calculations.

Farmers should document field conditions and reasons for spreading manurepast the November 15 deadline in their nutrient management plan records. For additional information, contact your regional nutrient managementspecialist or MDAs Nutrient Management Program at 410-841-5959.

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

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For more information, contact Mike Bell

Last updated: 11/16/2011