Centuries ago farmers realized that this plentiful resource makes a great natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. Today, farmers still use manure to grow their crops while using the latest environmental practices to protect water quality. You've come to the right place if you:
- Are a farmer who is considering switching to manure as a crop fertilizer and soil amendment
- Are a farmer who is already recycling manure as a valuable crop nutrient source.
- Want to learn how farmers manage manure resources
THINKING ABOUT SWITCHING TO POULTRY LITTER?Farmers: Do you want to improve your soil's health, increase yields, and cut back on commercial fertilizer costs? Why not switch to poultry litter? It provides organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium plus a host of micro-nutrients you'd pay more for in commercial fertilizer products. Our
Manure Transport Program makes it easier than ever to start using poultry litter. With our Fast Track application, you can be approved to haul poultry litter in as little as 48 hours. Strike pay dirt. Contact your
Soil Conservation District for free help in making the switch.
ALREADY USING MANURE? T
Technical and financial
resources are available to farmers who use manure to fertilize their fields. Participation in financial assistance programs requires compliance with all Maryland nutrient management regulations. Check out the links at right. Free technical assistance is always just a phone call away at your local
Soil Conservation District.
EVER WONDER WHY SO MANY FARMERS FLOCK TO MANURE AS A CROP FERTILIZER?
It turns out, chicken manure not only makes a great fertilizer — it actually builds healthy soils. The organic matter in manure helps the soil store nutrients, soak up water, and ward off erosion. It even promotes the growth of beneficial organisms that make the soil more productive. To protect nearby waterways, farmers must follow strict environmental rules when applying manure. After all, healthy soil and clean water go hand in hand. Learn more about manure and healthy soils here.
THERE'S MORE TO MANURE THAN MEETS THE NOSE. Livestock manure makes a great natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. It helps build healthy soils that are rich in organic matter and full of life — both above and below the ground. Follow your nose and you'll see that farmers have begun preparing their fields for spring planting. They use best management practices to make sure that spreading manure does not impact local waters and the Chesapeake Bay. Learn more about best management practices here.
HAVING OR GIVING OFF A SMELL, ESPECIALLY A STRONG OR DISTINCTIVE ONE
Maryland farmers work hard to be good neighbors when spreading manure, but sometimes odors are unavoidable. Farmers who till their fields work manure into the soil. This helps cut down on odors and nutrient losses. Farmers who have switched to no-till farming practices to improve their soil's health, spread manure on top of their fields when conditions are right. All farmers rely on good planning and favorable weather to reduce odors and protect water quality.
Watch a YouTube video produced by the Chesapeake Bay Program on how farmers are working to protect the Bay.
HEALTHY FARM PRACTICES are not only in style, they're in demand. On Maryland's Eastern Shore, farmers recycle chicken manure as a natural crop fertilizer and soil conditioner. Keeping manure away from waterways is a big deal. Some farmers till manure into the soil to reduce odors and nutrient losses. Farmers using no-till practices to improve their soil's health spread manure on top of their fields. These farmers are required to install wider buffer zones and other measures to protect local streams. Either way, healthy farming practices never go out of style.
Learn how chicken farmers manage manure.
THE LADIES ROOM IS THIS WAY. If only managing livestock manure were so simple. Dairy farmers work hard to protect local waterways from runoff. They install fences, crossings and alternative water sources to keep cattle out of streams. They plant streamside buffers to capture runoff when it rains and they recycle manure from the milking parlor as a valuable crop fertilizer. These sustainable practices are good for both the animals and the environment.
Learn how a family-owned dairy farm is working to protect water quality (USDA website).
WE HAVE A BRIGHTER IDEANew technology is helping us to see manure in a whole new light as we capitalize on its potential as a renewable energy source and look at new uses and management options. Maryland is investing in innovative manure management technologies, including manure-to-energy projects that turn chicken manure into power and help farmers find new uses for this abundant natural resource.
Learn about our Animal Waste Technology Grants.