Nutrient Management: Applying Manure on a Phosphorous Basis
alternative practice names:
Applying manure on a phosphorus basis means determining the application rate of manure primarily based on the phosphorus needs of the crop rather than its nitrogen or other nutrient content. Applying manure to meet crop nitrogen needs often results in overapplication of phosphorus and potentially potassium, especially for crops like corn. Conversely, applying manure to meet the phosphorus needs of the crop typically requires a lower application rate, which may lead to the underapplication of nitrogen and potassium. To balance nitrogen and potassium requirements, commercial fertilizers might be necessary.
Applying manure on a phosphorus basis ensures that the amount of phosphorus provided by the manure matches the crop's requirements, minimizing the risk of phosphorus buildup in the soil, which can lead to environmental issues such as water pollution.
When used, in what regions in the U.S. is the practice found:
Northwest, Upper Midwest, Northeast, Southeast
FARM SIZE
When used, typically found on farms of the following sizes:
All Sizes

Practice Benefits
Soil nutrient balances: By matching manure applications to the crop's phosphorus needs, farmers promote the long-term sustainability of their soils and prevent nutrient imbalances.
Regulatory compliance: Applying manure on a phosphorus basis helps prevent excessive soil phosphorus levels, reducing the risk of regulatory restrictions on manure application methods and rates.

Implementation Insights
Site-specific or Farm-specific requirements

Historical over-application: Cropland near dairy farmers commonly exhibit phosphorus concentrations that greatly exceed crop needs.
State regulations: In many cases, state regulations require farmers to reduce soil phosphorus concentrations by limiting manure application on fields with high test results.
Runoff and erosion prevention: Some fields are particularly prone to runoff and erosion, making it necessary for farmers to manage phosphorus levels more closely.
Required Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

Dragline system: Farms using dragline to apply manure may consider installing a system for pumping/piping longer distances.
Required Operational Expenditures (OpEx)

Soil and crop assessment: Farmers must assess soil, test phosphorus levels, and understand crop phosphorus requirements to determine appropriate manure application rates.
Manure nutrient variability: Manure phosphorus concentration varies with its water content, necessitating regular manure testing to accurately calculate application rates.
Transport: To minimize expenses, farmers often apply manure near the farmstead, reducing transport costs. Transitioning to a phosphorus-based application model may increase hauling expenses for fields farther from manure storage, as farmers distribute their manure at lower rates across more acres.
Commercial fertilizer: Applying manure based on phosphorus may require supplemental nitrogen from commercial fertilizers to meet crop nutrient demands. This means there is often an additional expense associated with the purchase and application of commercial nitrogen. In some instances, farmers may be able to supply the required nitrogen at planting using either a pop-up or starter.
Implementation Considerations

Testing requirements: Manure and soil testing requirements introduce additional complexity during the busy manure application period.
Excess manure: Farmers generating surplus manure often need to seek ways to export their excess.
Financial Considerations and Revenue Streams
There are no federal cost-share programs or conservation funding for this practice.

Environmental Impacts
IMPROVES WATER QUALITY
Excess soil phosphorus can negatively impact the environment when rainfall runoff carries soil particles with attached phosphorus or soluble phosphorus from the soil surface into ponds, streams, and lakes. This runoff raises the phosphorus levels in these water bodies, which are typically low, to levels that promote the growth of algae and other aquatic plants, leading to algae blooms. When these plants die, their decomposition consumes oxygen, a process known as eutrophication. The resulting depletion of oxygen in the water can lead to fish kills and other negative ecological consequences.
REFerences

Alignment with FARM Program
FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) V2-V3 Alignment
FARM ES Version 3 allows users to enter the nutrient content of their manure by Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. It also allows for specificity around type and timing of application to reflect how it is being implemented on-farm.
Contents
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.
Applying manure on a phosphorus basis means determining the application rate of manure primarily based on the phosphorus needs of the crop rather than its nitrogen or other nutrient content. Applying manure to meet crop nitrogen needs often results in overapplication of phosphorus and potentially potassium, especially for crops like corn. Conversely, applying manure to meet the phosphorus needs of the crop typically requires a lower application rate, which may lead to the underapplication of nitrogen and potassium. To balance nitrogen and potassium requirements, commercial fertilizers might be necessary.
Applying manure on a phosphorus basis ensures that the amount of phosphorus provided by the manure matches the crop's requirements, minimizing the risk of phosphorus buildup in the soil, which can lead to environmental issues such as water pollution.
Practices and technologies
Nutrient Management: Applying Manure on a Phosphorous Basis
alternative practice name: