top of page

Manure Storage: Decreasing Storage Time via Increased Manure Spreading Frequency

alternative practice names:

Manure Storage Duration

The practice of decreasing manure storage time focuses on minimizing the duration manure is stored in anaerobic conditions, primarily by more frequent land-application. Manure storages are designed to handle a certain volume for a specified period, such as 6 to 12 months, based on the manure, milkhouse, runoff, other contributing volumes, and climatic conditions. Farms with ample manure storage capacity may only empty their manure lagoons/ponds once a year. Prolonged storage, particularly during warmer summer months, increases greenhouse gas emissions. 


Decreasing the duration of manure storage is a strategic approach to mitigate a farm's environmental footprint however, it requires careful management to avoid water quality issues and ensure that manure is not spread under unsuitable conditions. Common effective strategies for responsibility increasing manure application frequency include applying manure water in-season through irrigation systems, top-dressing manure on perennial grasses, and side-dressing manure instead of commercial fertilizer on corn.

When used, in what regions in the U.S. is the practice found: 

Northwest, West, Upper Midwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast

FARM SIZE 

When used, typically found on farms of the following sizes:

Under 2500 cows

Case Studies.png

Practice Benefits 

Smaller manure storage requirements: Farms with limited manure storage capacity, especially those undergoing herd expansion, can benefit from more frequent manure spreading. In certain cases, this practice may allow for increased herd size without the need to expand manure storage facilities.

Practical Insights.png

Implementation Insights

Site-specific or Farm-specific requirements 

farm-icon.png
  • Manure handling: This practice is more applicable to farms that manage and store liquid or slurry manure under anaerobic conditions.

  • Favorable land application conditions and diverse crop rotations: Areas that support double or triple cropping offer more opportunities for manure application. Farms with diverse crop rotations have greater flexibility for manure application, whereas those with less varied rotations may face limitations. Additionally, farms in regions with challenging weather conditions need sufficient land area and flexibility to apply manure even during less-than-favorable weather.

Required Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

red-dollar-0.png
  • Adjustment to nutrient management plan: Any changes to manure application may necessitate updates to the farm's nutrient management plan in collaboration with a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) or nutrient management planner.

  • Specialized equipment: Equipment that can side-dress manure can make it easier to increase manure spreading frequency. 

Required Operational Expenditures (OpEx)

orange-dollar-0.png
  • Equipment: Farms may choose to rent equipment or hire contractors (e.g., custom applicators) to apply manure.

Implementation Considerations

implementation-complexity-1.png
  • Coordination with cropping systems: Manure application must be coordinated with the crop growth and harvest timing. For example, certain methods for applying manure to growing crops (e.g., draglines) are infeasible after the plant reaches specific maturity stages. Manure typically cannot be applied to forages and edible vegetables for a time period before harvest. The types and acreage of crops grown can affect the feasibility of increased frequency of manure application.

  • Risk of runoff and water quality issues: More frequent manure application must be carefully managed to avoid applying it to frozen or wet ground, which can cause runoff and water quality problems.

  • Scheduling difficulties: Many dairy farms apply manure not only to their own land but also to the acreage of other nearby landowners. Increasing the frequency of manure application increases the logistical requirements for coordinating across farm systems.

  • Increased labor requirements: Frequent land applications demand more dedicated labor, which can be a significant logistical and financial burden.

  • Community odor complaints: Communities accustomed to manure odors during a specific time of year may complain if manure is spread more frequently, potentially leading to local conflicts and complaints.

  • Local ordinances: State and local laws may require manure to be incorporated into the soil on some or all fields. These ordinances can prevent farmers from spreading manure on growing crops, limiting their capacity to decrease storage time.

Financial Considerations and Revenue Streams

FEDERAL COST-SHARE PROGRAM

Funding is available for this practice through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Notes:

  • Check with the local NRCS office on payment rates and crop rotations relevant to your location.

  • To quality for EQIP funds, the dairy is required to obtain a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) to guide practice implementation.

Additional Resources

Handout: Small Scale Solutions for your Farm (NRCS)

Website: Practices to Reduce Methane Emissions from Livestock Manure Management (EPA)

Research Results.png

Environmental Impacts

REDUCES FARM GREENHOUSE GAS FOOTPRINT

The length of time liquid manure is stored has a significant impact on methane production. Shorter storage durations generally limit the time available for anaerobic decomposition, reducing methane emissions. In contrast, longer storage periods encourage the growth of methanogenic microorganisms, which thrive in anaerobic conditions, leading to increased methane production.¹ This effect is particularly pronounced in warmer climates and during the warmer months, as higher temperatures accelerate microbial activity and methane generation.¹ Therefore, reducing manure storage time, especially in warmer environments, can be an effective strategy to lower methane emissions. The impact of the practice on field nitrous oxide emissions is poorly understood.² 


See research highlights below:

  • Qu and Zhang (2021) reviewed GHG emissions associated with dairy manure storage and concluded that CH₄ emissions are positively correlated with temperature but negatively correlated with solid content. The study also emphasizes the minimal impact of storage duration (beyond 30 days) on cumulative gas emissions.

  • Cárdenas et al. (2021) researched CH₄ emissions from liquid dairy manure storage. CH₄ emissions were significantly higher during summer compared to winter due to elevated temperatures that accelerate microbial activity. CH₄ production begins after a month of storage in warm conditions, peaking around 20 weeks. In contrast, emissions during winter were minimal due to lower temperatures. The findings suggest that reducing storage time, especially in warmer months, can help mitigate CH₄ emissions.


────────────────

¹ Temperature may be a more critical factor, with higher temperatures (above 15°C) leading to substantial CH₄ emissions even during short storage periods, while colder temperatures result in minimal CH₄ emissions regardless of storage duration (Qu & Zhang, 2021).

² Spreading manure during warmer, wet conditions may increase field-level N₂O emissions (VanderZaag et al., 2011).

farm-assessment.png

Alignment with FARM Program

FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) V2-V3 Alignment

FARM ES Version 3 asks users for timing of manure storage. In addition, the optional crop section of FARM ES Version 3 offers data inputs for spreading manure.

Contents

farm-icon.png
farm-icon.png
farm-icon.png
farm-icon.png
farm-icon.png
farm-icon.png
farm-icon.png

We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights. 

We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights. 

Contents

farm-icon.png

Practice Overview

Case Studies.png
Practical Insights.png
dollar.png
reference,png
Research Results.png
farm-assessment.png

The practice of decreasing manure storage time focuses on minimizing the duration manure is stored in anaerobic conditions, primarily by more frequent land-application. Manure storages are designed to handle a certain volume for a specified period, such as 6 to 12 months, based on the manure, milkhouse, runoff, other contributing volumes, and climatic conditions. Farms with ample manure storage capacity may only empty their manure lagoons/ponds once a year. Prolonged storage, particularly during warmer summer months, increases greenhouse gas emissions. 


Decreasing the duration of manure storage is a strategic approach to mitigate a farm's environmental footprint however, it requires careful management to avoid water quality issues and ensure that manure is not spread under unsuitable conditions. Common effective strategies for responsibility increasing manure application frequency include applying manure water in-season through irrigation systems, top-dressing manure on perennial grasses, and side-dressing manure instead of commercial fertilizer on corn.

Practices and technologies

Manure Storage: Decreasing Storage Time via Increased Manure Spreading Frequency

alternative practice name:

Manure Storage Duration