Education Commons^™

Calibrating And Operating Manure Spreaders, Process Improvement For Animal Feeding Operations, John Harrison, Rich Koenig, Kerry Goodrich

All Current Publications

This guide outlines simplified methods to calibrate manure spreaders based on determining the load and area covered by the load.

2006 Beef Report Summaries, James Gosey

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Reports on recent beef research are briefly summarized in this publication. Summaries of the research featured in the 2006 Beef Report appear here. Topics include cow-calf, growing, finishing and beef products.

Manure Storage, Process Improvement For Animal Feeding Operations, John Harrison, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

The objective of this fact sheet is to help producers understand the need for manure storage facilities.

Nutrient Concentrations In Manure Storage Facilities, John Harrison, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

The objective of this fact sheet is to help producers understand the nutrient loss and retention characteristics of different types of manure storage. The concentration of nutrients in manure storage facilities is important for planning land application activities. Nutrient concentration is usually the critical factor in determining the amount of manure to be spread per acre of land. Manure systems similar in type and management may have characteristically similar concentrations of manure nutrients.

Safety In Manure Storage Facilities, John Harrison, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

As livestock operations become larger and numbers of employees more numerous, safety becomes a critical issue in manure storage.

Animal Manure Removal Methods For Manure Storage Facilities, John Harrison, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

A well-designed manure storage facility must also be well managed to prevent environmental concerns from developing. Probably the single most important requirement in operating and maintaining a manure storage facility is to ensure that the facility does not overflow or discharge.

Types Of Manure Storage, John Harrison, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

The objective of this fact sheet is to help producers understand the characteristics of different types of manure storage facilities. Factors that might influence the selection of a particular type of manure storage facility are discussed. Manure storage facilities discussed include solid systems, slurry systems, and liquid (lagoon systems).

Manure Storage Selection, John Harrison, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

The objective of this fact sheet is to help producers understand the factors that might influence the selection of a particular type of manure storage facility. Manure storage facilities covered include solid systems, slurry systems, and liquid (lagoon systems).

Nf02-507 Manure Testing: What To Request?, Charles A. Shapiro, Charles S. Wortmann, Richard Deloughery

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Manure testing is necessary to make optimum use of manure while protecting water resources. The tests most frequently needed to optimize nutrient management are total and ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, soluble salts, sodium, and dry matter content. This NebFact is a guide to providing information on a Manure Sample Sub­mission Form for reliable interpretation of results.

Ec00-154 Precision Agriculture: Soil Sampling For Precision Agriculture, Richard B. Ferguson, Gary W. Hergert

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

As various aspects of precision agriculture are implemented in Nebraska, some of the most frequent questions asked by producers, fertilizer dealers and crop consultants relate to soil sampling. Should I soil sample this field on a grid? What grid spacing should I use? How often should I sample? Can I use a yield map to tell where to soil sample? All of these are good questions, but often we do not have definitive answers. Site-specific management research conducted in recent years in Nebraska, however, provides some direction on how to implement a soil sampling program for precision agriculture.

G99-1390 Altering Swine Manure By Diet Modification, Duane Reese, Richard K. Koelsch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide explores options for altering the nitrogen and phosphorus content of swine manure.

There are situations in which it is necessary to change the nutrient content and/or the odor-producing potential of swine manure in order for pork production to thrive. For example, current Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) permit procedures for livestock facilities require producers to document that sufficient land is available for crop use of the nitrogen (N) in manure. If sufficient land is not available for managing nutrients in manure, producers can alter the nitrogen and phosphorus content of swine manure by modifying the pig's diet. …

Ec98-754 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 7: Hazardous Materials And Waste Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Consider the variety of products commonly used in households, on acreages and on farms: paints, solvents, oils, cleaners, wood preservatives, batteries, adhesives, and pesticides. Also consider the amount of these products which goes unused or is thrown away. Some common disposal practices can create an unsafe environment around the home and may contaminate groundwater. Additionally, many of these common disposal practices violate Nebraska law.

Ec98-753 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 7: Improving Hazardous Materials And Waste Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Waste is inevitable. Things which have been outgrown, broken, replaced, or are just no longer needed add to the waste produced at homes, acreages and around farms. Most of the waste accumulated around the farm, acreage and home is solid waste. Solid waste includes all discarded materials — newspapers, empty paint cans, liquids, gases, pickle jars, orange peelings, leftover food, worn out shoes, junk mail — this list is endless. Some of these solid wastes contain potentially hazardous materials.

Ec98-755 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 13: Improving Milking Center Effluent Treatment, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Effluent from the dairy milking center, including discharges from the milking parlor (manure, feed solids, hoof dirt) and milkhouse (bulk tank and pipeline rinse water and detergent used in cleaning), is commonly disposed of in a variety of ways. Milking center effluent offers several unique challenges due to the presence of: 1. Large volumes of contaminated water which can overwhelm soil absorption systems. 2. Milk solids and fats and manure solids which plug many systems. 3. Cleaning sanitizers which reduce bacterial breakdown of solids. When these systems fail, effluent will become a risk to surface and groundwater quality.

G98-1370 Abandonment Planning For Earthen Manure Storages, Holding Ponds And Anaerobic Lagoons, Richard K. Koelsch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The purpose of this NebGuide is to define some critical issues to be addressed by an abandonment plan of an earthen manure storage, anaerobic lagoon or runoff holding pond.

A Nebraska construction permit for a Livestock Waste Control Facility (LWCF) requires a written plan defining possible abandonment procedures in the event the operation (and associated LWCF) is discontinued. The plan must be approved by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) prior to permit issuance.

Ec98-752 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 9: Livestock Manure Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Accumulating manure in storage incurs certain risks to the environment and to human and animal health unless appropriate precautions are taken.Manure can contribute nutrients and disease-causing organisms to both surface water and groundwater.

Ec98-751 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 9: Improving Livestock Manure Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Manure storage is an important manure management option for livestock producers. Stored manure can be applied to the soil when nutrient uptake by crops can be maximized and weather related losses minimized. Preplant applications of manure incorporated into the soil ensures maximum crop nutrient value, while reducing risks of water contamination.

Ec98-758 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 11: Land Application Of Manure, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Stewardship of soil and water resources should be a goal of every livestock producer. Management decisions made relative to land application of livestock manure will influence the ability to attain that goal.

Ec98-757 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 11: Improving Land Application Of Manure, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Resource or waste? Stewardship of soil and water resources should be a goal of every livestock producer. Management decisions made relative to land application of livestock manure will influence the ability to attain that goal. An evaluation of your land application practices should focus on the following question: Is manure a waste or are source?

Ec98-756 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 13: Milking Center Effluent Treatment, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Milking center effluent is usually considered a dairy sanitation problem. If not properly managed, however, the effluent can contaminate both groundwater and surface water.

Ec98-761 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 10: Livestock Yards Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Livestock yards, such as barnyards, holding areas and feedlots, are areas of concentrated livestock wastes and a potential source of nutrient, solids, and bacteria contamination of surface and groundwater. Yards that are abandoned permanently or are inactive temporarily also represent a potential risk.

Ec98-759 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 10: Improving Livestock Yards Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Besides addressing the potential of livestock yards to pollute surface and groundwater, other good reasons for improving management practices include ease of maintenance, improved herd health, and quality milk or meat production. This fact sheet discusses six issues critical to minimizing the impact of livestock yards on water quality.

G97-1315 Composting Manure And Other Organic Residues, Bahman Eghball

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Composting is becoming more common in Nebraska because of the many advantages it offers. This NebGuide provides information on the composting process and its management and related issues.

The Composting Process

Composting is the aerobic decomposition of manure or other organic materials in the thermophilic temperature range (104-149°F). The composted material is odorless, fine-textured, and low-moisture and can be bagged and sold for use in gardens, or nurseries or used as fertilizer on cropland with little odor or fly breeding potential. Composting improves the handling characteristics of any organic residue by reducing its volume and weight. Composting can kill pathogens …

G97-1334 Estimating Manure Nutrients From Livestock And Poultry, Richard K. Koelsch, Charles A. Shapiro

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses a procedure for estimating the quantity of nutrients in livestock manure. When managed properly, nutrients in livestock manure can be a valuable resource. When managed improperly, however, these same nutrients become a potential environmental pollutant. Accurate crediting of manure nutrients within a total crop nutrient program is fundamental to utilizing manure as a resource. This NebGuide will help producers estimate the total manure nutrients (N, P and K) produced by their livestock and show how to adjust for losses for various storage and handling situations.

Ec97-781 Livestock Systems Environmental Assessment, Richard K. Koelsch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The goal of this assessment package is to help a livestock producer confidentially evaluate their stewardship of water and air resources. Protecting both the groundwater that supplies your drinking water and the surface waters that provide recreational opportunities is in the interests of every livestock producer. The worksheets will assist you in estimating the quantity of nutrients in the manure from your livestock; guide you through a step-by-step evaluation of your livestock system for possible impacts on water and air quality; and help you identify your operation's enviornmental strengths and weaknesses.

Ec96-779 Lagoons For Management Of Livestock Manure, Gerald R. Bodman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

A lagoon is a specifically designed manure storage facility. A properly designed lagoon also functions as a treatment system. Manure in any storage facility undergoes some biological decomposition. However, any decomposition of organic matter which occurs in a conventional storage is coincidental and not part of the design procedure or considerations.

The proper design of a lagoon gives special consideration to biological decomposition of organic matter. In fact, the design is intended to promote or enhance the breakdown of organic matter.

This publication discusses the types of lagoons. It covers the design, construction, and guidelines of maintaining a lagoon.

G96-1306 Feeding Dairy Cows To Reduce Nitrogen, Phosphorus, And Potassium Excretion Into The Environment, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses feeding strategies to optimize dairy cow performance while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

Reducing N, P and K Excretion--The Challenge

Increasingly, our society demands livestock production systems that not only produce economic, high-quality food products, but also minimize negative environmental impacts. Feeding management has improved continuously and helps explain increases in milk production averages. The future challenge for dairy producers and nutritionists will be to properly formulate rations for high production levels while simultaneously minimizing the environmental impact of excessive N, P and K excretion in the urine and manure. A realistic approach will be to keep formulation …

G95-1266 Environmental Considerations For Manure Application System Selection, Richard K. Koelsch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Selection and operation of manure application equipment must consider environmental issues along with materials handling and economic factors.

Land application of livestock manure faces growing scrutiny because of potential surface and groundwater contamination and odor nuisances. Producers must consider features of a manure application system that enhance their ability to use manure's nutrients, and provide ways to minimize nuisances experienced by neighbors during manure application.

G95-1267 Manure Applicator Calibration, Richard K. Koelsch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Calibration methods for manure spreaders are discussed here.

Applying manure to land often is considered a waste disposal process rather than a fertilization process. Applying manure as a waste product is causing growing concerns about groundwater and surface water contamiantion. Increasing commercial fertilizer costs and regulatory mandates will encourage application of manure as a nutrient source in the future.

Ec95-141 Nebraska's Manure Resource, D. H. Sander, J.E. Power, B. Eghball

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Manure is a valuable resource that is sometimes perceived as a liability. For centuries, manure has provided needed nutrients which increased and stabilized food production. With the advent of inorganic chemical fertilizers, the value of manure as a nutrient source decreased because hauling and spreading costs were higher than the cost of chemical feritlizers. In addition, the water content of manure is high and even when the water is removed, its nutrient content is low compared to chemical fertilizers. Therefore, manure has often been viewed in American agriculture as a "waste" to be disposed of rather than a resource to …