A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) and the Ministry of Rural Affairs (MRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30am to 5pm.
MANURE, PHOSPHORUS AND THE WINTER LANDSCAPE,
Christine Brown, Nutrient Management Lead, OMAF and MRA
Best Management Practice’s suggest that seed placed fertilizer, residue management and cover crops will help prevent soil phosphorus from reaching water courses. Manure application requires extra attention to prevent phosphorus losses, especially during winter and snow melt conditions.
Phosphorus (P) is essential to plant growth. Crop root growth is most prolific in soils enriched with phosphorus, but too much of a good thing can have negative environmental impacts. When phosphorus enters a water course, eutrophication results. Eutrophication is when a body of water becomes enriched in dissolved nutrients that stimulate the growth of aquatic plants. This can lead to fluctuations in dissolved oxygen, which limits aquatic life. Sometimes phosphorus in bodies of water can lead to toxic algae blooms.
Crop production practices focus on seed-placed P to maximize nutrient efficiency. Management practices that leave 30 per cent or more soil cover – crop residue or growing crops – helps to keep soil P in place. The highest risk for soil P loss from crop land results from intense storms and from rainfall during snowmelt.
Every winter season is different and there are wide ranges of winter conditions across the province. Research studying the fate of nutrients has resulted in more measurements during the winter and snow melt seasons. Nutrient movement from soils in winter is often higher than all the other times of the year combined.
Where Does Manure Fit In This Picture?
In the winter landscape, an application of manure after crop harvest results in a higher amount of phosphorus in the root zone. When manure is surface applied and not incorporated, the phosphorus is concentrated in the top few cm of the soil.
The higher the amount of P, the greater the risk of soluble P loss during winter runoff conditions. Where fall applied manure has been incorporated, the risk of soluble P loss is reduced.
However incorporation can increase the risk of P loss in sediment (erosion).
Livestock manure and other organic amendments provide many crop nutrients to the soil. Management, therefore, must consider the bigger picture instead of only focusing on one nutrient. Both nitrogen (N) and P loss can lead to negative impact on the environment and management for one nutrient can increase the loss of the other.
No-till practices help to keep crop residue on the surface to reduce soil erosion.
Practices That Reduce Risk of P Loss from Manure:
– avoid winter application! Even if the nutrients don’t move to the water course, the nutrients most often don’t remain where they were applied;
– avoid nutrient application in areas of concentrated flow, or pathways where water flows during heavy rainfalls and/or snowmelt;
– calibrate equipment for accurate rate and uniformity of application;
– growing crops make the most efficient use of nutrients. Apply as close to crop needs as possible;
– apply manure at rates that meet crop needs;
– apply manure to fields that have relatively low P fertility levels first;
– incorporate manure – ideally leave greater than 30% residue cover; and
– plant cover crops to help keep soil covered and hold nutrients.
EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR AGRICULTURE STUDENTS NOW OPEN
Farm Management Canada (FMC) and the Canadian Association of Diploma in Agriculture Programs (CADAP) have joined forces to offer an award designed to encourage students to improve their communication and leadership skills through a national video competition.
FMC and CADAP are collecting submissions from agricultural students across Canada and will award three winners with $1,000 towards furthering their education in agriculture. The award is designed to help students develop their communication skills by having the opportunity to voice their opinion on a subject related to farm management.
Students are asked to submit videos, responding to the following questions: What key skills has your educational institution taught you about farm management that will be most useful in your career? Please explain why these are important?
Applications must be received no later than May 9.
For more information, visit http://www.fmc-gac.com/excellence-award.
COMING EVENTS:
May 9 – Grower Pesticide Course, OMAF and MRA Boardroom, Elora. To register, call the Ontario Pesticide Education Program at 1-800-652-8573, visit www.opep.ca or email opep@opep.ca.
