By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) urges farmers to utilize the manure runoff risk advisory forecast before manure application.
This online tool (http://www.manureadvisorysystem.wi.gov/runoffrisk/index) helps assess the potential for runoff based on weather and soil conditions.
The forecast provides risk maps updated four times daily, considering factors like soil saturation, temperature, and precipitation. “When applying manure, it is important to have a nutrient management plan that accurately identifies appropriate application rates and locations for spreading,” said Mark Witecha, DATCP soil and watershed conservation section manager. "The runoff risk advisory forecast can help farmers make more informed decisions and mitigate runoff potential by helping determine when the best time to spread is based on both current field conditions and short-term weather forecasts."
For situations with high runoff risk, farmers are encouraged to seek guidance from crop consultants, county land conservation offices, or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for larger permitted farms.
These professionals can suggest alternative practices like safe manure storage or identifying lower-risk fields for application.
DATCP also reminds manure haulers and drivers to prioritize safety on roadways. “Operator error accounts for a large share of the manure spills and incidents that occur between the farm and the field where manure is being applied," said Kevin Erb, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension conservation professional training program manager. “Taking the time to be safe and maintaining your equipment are two ways to reduce the risk of an accidental manure spill. An accidental spill is not illegal, but failing to properly report and clean it up is."
All agricultural operations must report potential surface or groundwater contamination from spills or runoff to the DNR's 24-hour emergency spills hotline at (800) 943-0003.
Additional information on planning and prevention can be found at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/agbusiness/manurespills.html.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy, Livestock