Manure storage and application

Manure pumped out of a lined manure storage to fertilize crop lands.

What is manure storage?

Dairy manure management has advanced to include the storage of manure in an earthen pond, tank or roofed structure. Manure storage allows management flexibility that facilitates the recycling of manure nutrients to crop lands in an environmentally and economically appropriate way. The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook provides specific guidance for planning, designing, and managing systems where agricultural wastes are involved. It can help the professional planner/designer assist agricultural producers in organizing a comprehensive approach to integrate waste management into overall farm operations.

Manure storages are engineered for safety

Manure storages are engineered systems. They are sized, sited, designed and constructed to ensure manure is safely contained and can be emptied in a manner that protects surface and ground water quality. Depending on the type, each storage is engineered according to the NRCS Waste Storage Facility Conservation Practice Standard (no. 313) and/or the NRCS Roofs and Covers Conservation Practice Standard (no. 367).

Covered Manure Storages

While manure storages substantially improve a farm’s ability to manage nutrients, the anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions of these systems leads to the generation of methane, a potent GHG. Covering a manure storage with an impervious cover enables the capture methane, and with an integrated flare system this methane can then be mitigated. Cover and flare systems have other benefits for the farm as well, including rainwater diversion which reduced manure volume, odor mitigation, enhanced retention of nitrogen in the manure, and the possibility for carbon-credit value. Information about these systems and their benefits are below.

Resources, tools and case studies

The dairy manure storage cost calculator was developed in 2008 to help farms perform a partial budget of an impermeable flexible cover and flare system. The farm inputs needed include the number of cows and heifers whose manure go into the manure storage, the surface area of the storage, and the farm's manure spreading cost. Carbon credits can also be included with the estimated metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent that can be captured and combusted (note: the tool uses a global warming potential on a 100-year basis). The calculation will provide the average annual capital cost over the lifetime, the annual average precipitation avoided, the annual average land application savings, and estimate of the potential carbon credits.

Climate Resilient Farming Grant

Thanks to funding from the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, New York Farmers are implementing innovative manure management techniques for environmental stewardship, farm viability, and the community. PRO-DAIRY and Cornell Cooperative Extension partner with New York State and County Soil & Water Conservation Districts to help farms afford and design manure pit cover and flare systems.

In this video Tim Fessenden of Fessenden Dairy in Cayuga County, NY and Meghan Hauser of Table Rock Farm in Wyoming County, NY join Curt Gooch, senior extension associate, Cornell PRO DAIRY and Allen Fagan, district manager, Wyoming County Soil & Water Conservation District discuss the benefits that manure pit cover and flare systems have had on their farms.

Play

Manure Application

The primary use for manure is as a plant fertilizer in crop fields. Its application allows utilization of nutrients to create healthier soil. When land-applied from the right source, at the right time and rate, using the right methods, and in the right place, manure can provide agronomic benefits while minimizing risks to water resources. When managed properly, manure is a valuable resource.

When manure is land applied agronomically (the right manure, at the right rate, right time, and in the right place), crop nutrient demands are met, healthy soils are promoted and risks to water resources are minimized.

Information on manure application systems are below. For resources on nutrient management, visit the Cornell Nutrient Management Spear Program.