One of the primary benefits is a reduction in odor. Getting the manure off the soil surface and into the ground goes a long way in maintaining neighborly relations. Liquid manure injection also reduces the loss of nitrogen as a consequence of volatilization. This means more of the nutrient being made available to the crop. This reduces or eliminates the need for the purchase of commercial fertilizer.
Injection – contrasted with splashing the manure over the surface and returning to till it in – also reduces the risk soil erosion and runoff (well contamination). This additionally makes it compatible with no-till planting preserving more of the soil organic matter.
The injection equipment I observed being used consisted of tractor-mounted injector with a draghose system delivering the product. Just like this...
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| click on images for a closer look |
Last July I had an opportunity to watch the process in action - immediately across the road from where we live.
It took about 30 minutes to stage and assemble the distribution equipment at the roadside. What followed was a parade of semi-tankers.
After the initial queue of tankers was emptied of their odiferous contents they returned at regular intervals – only moments apart – to refresh the pump tank.
These tankers are called nurse trucks and have roughly a 6800 gallon capacity. They can discharge their load in about a minute.
They were a constant presence throughout the day – so many that we lost count.
This technique of shallow manure injection has features and benefits well-suited to Door County's soils and karst geology. It also saves money. It is a fascinating form of waste management to my eyes and a veritable ocean of cow shit to move.
Who knew?
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