Improving Nutrient Density and Transport of Bedded Pack Manure by Composting
Applied Research
Eric Richer
Assistant Professor
Ohio State University Extension
Wauseon
Abstract
According to USDA-NASS 2018 data, Fulton-Henry-Williams Counties, Ohio are home to nearly 60,000 head of cattle and calves annually. It is estimated that over 90% of the manure produced on these farms is in the bedded pack or solid form. Since 2015, these farms have been restricted from hauling manure in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) during the winter months, creating a need to stockpile manure in dry stack barns or outdoors. Using a watershed peer group, five farmers at 8 sites composted solid cattle manure for this study. Goals of the project were to measure moisture, weight and volume reductions in manure, analyze nutrient samples throughout and encourage further distribution of manure nutrients to fields with low phosphorus test levels. The research involved each farmer weighing manure before and after composting, turning compost weekly with a commercial compost turner in a windrow, intensely sampling each windrow weekly, and transporting the nutrients to a desired low phosphorus field.
Results of the research from these eight sites show a 53% reduction in weight from 258 tons at the start to 121 tons at the finish. Manure volume reduced 28% suggesting an increased utilization of dry stack barns already in the watershed. The average transport distance by each farmer was 4.5 miles from the animal barn as opposed to a normal less than one mile distance. Nutrient density per ton doubled for phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and calcium; all at statistically significant levels. Nitrogen density did not increase as it was used in the composting process.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
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Authors: Eric Richer
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Richer, E. Assistant Professor, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43567