Manure Nitrogen for Wheat?

Can we do it? Many farmers that have manure are looking for any profitable opportunity to use this resource. They are constantly on the lookout for another time slot for spreading, another crop to use the manure and turn the nitrogen into dollars. Wheat may provide exactly what these growers are seeking, but there are some huge pitfalls to watch out for.

Uniformity of Application

Whenever manure is applied, uniformity of application is PARAMOUNT! Table 1 shows that while manure can replace fertilizer, it does not always equal commercial nitrogen. There is good evidence that most of this difference is due to uneven applications. Table 2 shows significant yield benefit to a combination of both manure and fertilizer for the wheat crop, out yielding fertilizer or manure alone. This is a fascinating result! Some commercial fertilizer should be included to overcome spread variability, but does manure offer some yield enhancement that commercial fertilizer is not able to replace?

Side-by-side comparisons conducted in Southwestern Ontario in 2005 would indicate a benefit from spring applied manure as is shown in tables 1 and 2.

| Top of Page |

* half to two-thirds of N requirement as manure N + one-third to half of N requirements from commercial N

Timing of Application

Just as with commercial N applications, timing of manure application is critical! Compaction is a major concern. Application on frost is by far the best option, but the window may be very narrow. Application on dry soil is the other option that works well. We have been surprised at how advanced the wheat can be at time of application, meaning that applications up until May 10^th are probably okay with drag hose applications.

Of the plots tried in spring of 2005, manure application on snow has proven most difficult. The more snow on the ground, the more unpredictable the outcome. So application on snow is OUT, nutrient management rules or not!

More Trials Needed!

Needless to say, we don’t have all the answers yet! Note that our data is for one year only, and on limited sites. We need more trials to figure out the whole answer. Work with us! If you are planning on trying some manure on wheat this spring, do a plot with us. Leave your contact information on the CROPLINE (1 888 449 0937). If manure can actually increase wheat yields by another 5 bushels per acre, we absolutely need to get there!

| Top of Page |