Look Up and Around Before Spreading on the Ground! |
Keep these 4 things at the forefront to reduce your risk of nutrient runoff:
1) Is there a chance for rain on the days you plan on applying?
Do not apply during or before a rain event and lower your chances of nutrient runoff by first checking the Ohio Applicator Forecast. This interactive map is designed to help farmers identify times when the weather-risk for nutrient application is low based on precipitation, temperature, and soil data and is on the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s website.
Ohio Applicator Forecast2) Are you applying near a stream, watercourse, drainage ditch or drainage swale? Be sure to review Table 4 of the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Nutrient Management Conservation Practice Standard (Code 590) for guidance. The Nutrient Management Code 590 outlines setbacks between 35-300 feet from these features. Table 4, Nutrient Management Code 5903) What’s the amount of manure you are going to apply per acre? Again, the Nutrient Management Code 590 can help! Review this document in its entirety for information on soils and the amount of manure than can be applied per acre based on available water capacity and soil composition. Nutrient Management Code 5904) Need Help?… Phone a Friend! If you have trouble viewing any of these referenced items or have additional questions, give Geauga SWCD a call at 440-834-1122 or email Spencer Nash at snash@geaugaswcd.com. We can provide technical assistance and meet you on site! |