Using manure as fertilizer is a traditional farming practice that has economic and environmental benefits. In recent years, scientific techniques are refining the practice with sampling and analysis of manure and soils. Testing shows soil fertility needs and manure nutrient values in reports that help producers apply manure more accurately. Increased awareness of the value of sampling is taking some of the guesswork out of manure management.

Specialists can help producers put together a nutrient management plan tailored to their business that would address the amount of manure produced by their livestock. Specialists also teach producers:

--how to sample liquid and solid manure to learn its nutrient value and use lab reports,

--how to collect soil samples and use the lab reports to determine the fertility level of their fields,

--about manure storage and application options that include timing, new technologies, and conservation practices such as reduced till and no-till cropping systems and conservation buffers.

Where Can I Get Help Managing Nutrients?

Fill out this form to receive more information on managing nutrients. Technical assistance and free publications are available from , the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service, SD Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources, and the SD Dept. of Agriculture.

Talk to SDACD's Nutrient Management Team Members Dean Colling at 605-996-7140 or Ken Benthin at 605-692-8754 or your local conservation district or NRCS staff for help with manure management and potential financial assistance to implement those practices.

Trees for Odor Control

Download (PDF) "Improvement of Air and Water Quality Around Livestock Confinement Areas Through the Use of Shelterbelts," a review of research done on odor control with trees and shrubs.

This site updated on:
May 1, 2005

Contact the webmaster.