There are a number of things that you should do before you start completing your plan.
- First, you should soil test any fields on your farm where you plan to spread manure.
- Second, sample the nutrient content of the manure in your manure storage. This program will automatically determine an estimate of manure nutrient content (N, P2O5, and K20). However, this is determined by published values from a book. An accurate representative value of the manure on your farm will be better.
- It will be helpful to determine the slope of your fields. A short fact sheet describing how to estimate slope is under resources.
- Prepare a farm map.
- Dtermine how many animals you have and how much they weigh.
- Estimate the amount and type of bedding you use
- Find phone and address of your local Public Health officials.
Benefits of Having Soil Tested
To apply optimum levels of manure or chemical fertilizers to your soil, it is necessary to know the existing pH and the availability of essential plant nutrients in the soil. Remember: Excess manure or chemical fertilizers or limestone can be as detrimental to plant growth as deficiencies of these nutrients.
The appropriate application of manure is not only agronomically desirable but is also economically prudent. Don’t buy fertilizers that your soil doesn’t need; invest in those nutrients that will bring about a growth/yield response.
Soil testing is an environmentally responsible practice. The improper application of fertilizer or other nutrient sources can lead to nitrate or phosphorus contamination of our water resources. By applying the most appropriate kind and amount of fertilizer at the proper time, you can ensure that you are "feeding" your plant-life and not polluting our environment. The Rutgers University Soil Testing Laboratory pages below will help you get started in testing your soils:
- Soil Sampling Instructions - Field crops, Commercial Vegetables, and Fruits
- FS 797: Soil Testing for Home Lawns and Gardens.
Manure Testing
Manure testing is also suggested. The Manure Sampling and Analysis gives a very good overview of how to take manure samples for analysis.
Determining Field Slope
Probably the simplest way to determine slope is to contact your local Soil Conservation District office and see if they can print out a map of your farm. They can also help you determine the slope in individuals. You can do this on your own by going to the USDA's Web Soil Survey website and finding your farm.
Making a Farm Map
It will be helpful for you to draw a map of your farm that includes barnyard sketches for buildings, storages, streams, fences, etc. And also a map of fields that are included in the management unit. By management unit, are fields that animals use for exercise or grazing, or where manure is spread. Also include streams, waterways, wetlands, etc. The simplest way is probably to get your local soil Conservation district to assist you in printing out a map for your farm. You can do this on your own by going to the USDA's Web Soil Survey website and finding your farm.
Animal Units
Determine before beginning how may animals you have on your farm, what species and what weight. This information will be useful as we calculate animal units, farm animal density, and manure production.
Bedding Use
Estimate before you start: how much bedding, amount and type, you use on a regular basis.
Public Health
Contact your local health department in case of an emergency.