In a perfect world, livestock producers would always be able to supply farmers with manure exactly when they need it, resulting in a perfectly choreographed just-in-time delivery system where stockpiling manure would never be necessary. In the real world, however, in-field stockpiling is a fact of life, and it needs to be managed properly in order to maximize the nutrient value of the manure, reduce its impact on the environment, and minimize friction with neighbors.
Dr. Amy Schmidt, professor, departments of biological systems engineering and animal science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln sums up the problem farmers face: “I would say that with solid manure sources, like poultry litter or beef cattle feed lot manure, oftentimes, when those materials need to be cleaned out of the building or the feed lot, the timing doesn’t necessarily coincide with when crops are out in the field and we can land-apply manure. So, if a farmer wants poultry litter, or beef cattle manure, or any other solid manure for their field, the only option is to have it stockpiled or dumped on the side of their field so that it’s there for when they need it.”
Common sense approach
Many of the in-field stockpiling best practices could be summed up in a single phrase: Be a good neighbor, and use common sense. “Put the manure somewhere where it’s not going to create runoff into a water body. Build a berm around it if necessary, and keep it out of low spots in the field where water typically ponds,” says Schmidt. “Don’t simply put it the most convenient spot in the field if you have a neighbor right next door. Be respectful. If it’s going to sit there for a while, they’re going to smell it, so don’t put in next to your property line.”
Sarah Zeiler, environmental management educator at Michigan State University Extension suggests covering the stockpile. “These piles are temporary, and hopefully they’re going to be there for six months or less,” she says. “We like to see them covered, even with straw.”
While a covering may not be necessary in drier parts of the country, Zeiler says that a stockpile of uncovered manure can attract insects in states like Michigan that can get a lot of rain. Uncovered manure can also attract unwanted animals, and is more prone to runoff in wetter weather.
“So it really depends on the climate in your area,” she says. “If it’s wetter, then you’re going to need to take steps to cover the pile.”
Zeiler notes that although in-field stockpiles of manure are typically left uncovered, “if you’re going to leave the pile in place for an extended period of time, then a cover is something you should think about.”
Out of sight, out of mind
Another reason some kind of covering make sense, Zeiler adds, is that a pile of manure can be a real eyesore for neighbors and passersby. “People are going to see it. There’s no hiding the fact that it’s a big pile of manure,” she says. “People tend to smell with their eyes, so if they see the manure, then they will smell it too.”
To avoid problems, it’s best to keep the stockpile out of sight and out of mind. “It may not actually smell,” says Schmidt, “but when they see it, they will think that they’re smelling it, so cover it up or put it in a location where people can’t see it. And don’t put it right next to the road. That might reduce the amount of complaints you’ll get.”
Zeiler recommends stockpiling manure at least 150 feet from a neighbor’s home. “I’ve had calls from people who tell me a pile of manure was just delivered to the farm beside them, and they’re planning a party for their kid next week,” she says. She stresses the importance of communication and of being a good neighbor. “Be friendly, and talk to your neighbors before you have a pile of manure delivered,” says Zeiler. “Tell them you’re getting the manure, and that you’re going to put it as far away from their house as you can. Then ask them if there’s any reason you shouldn’t get it delivered that week.”
Schmidt adds using it as quickly as possible not only makes you a good neighbor, she explains, but also assures the best return on your investment. “If you’re paying for it, you’re losing the value of the nutrients every day, if it sits there, especially nitrogen,” says Schmidt.
Water contamination
Keeping a stockpile away from nearby homes will make you a good neighbor – keeping it away from waterways will make you environmentally responsible.
Up in Michigan, Zeiler recommends keeping the pile 150 feet away from wells, springs, streams, ponds and surface water. In Nebraska, Schmidt says they’re more concerned with groundwater, because they have shallow water tables and sandy soil.
“If it’s a drier part of the year,” says Schmidt, “I don’t worry about it too much. But if you’re putting it out there in March, with sandy soil, I would recommend compacting the ground prior, because you don’t want it leeching through the soil.”
She adds that setback requirements vary, depending on the state you’re in. “Here in Nebraska, it’s 100 feet from any sensitive water area,” says Schmidt. “It could be a well, stream, a diversion in your field or a tile drainage system – anything that could carry it to a surface water body.”
In addition, Zeiler recommends limiting the height of the pile to roughly six feet. “If it’s too high, it becomes a hazard for the workers loading it into spreaders,” she says, adding that it’s important to avoid any flat spots or a depression that could hold water when it rains.
A more conical shape allows the pile to shed water, Zeiler explains. “You don’t want the manure to be soaking wet when you’re spreading it,” she says.
Proactive strategies
Zeiler offers the following advice to any farmer who stockpiles manure and is concerned about pushback from neighbors. “Be proactive,” she says, “And talk with your neighbors.”
A gift is always a nice way to get your neighbors on your side, adds Schmidt. “Give them some beef or pork or chicken or whatever you think is appropriate,” she says. “You can also offer them a load of manure for their garden for free. There are lots of ways to be nice. Think of it as good neighbor relations.”
Zeiler echoes this, adding that going above and beyond creates valuable connections. “That kind of outreach, and creating those kinds of relationships, is a best practice people won’t forget.” •
