Runoff risk needs to be assessed before applying

Farmers and manure applicators are reminded to check the runoff risk advisory forecast, before spreading manure on fields. The tool helps determine the potential for manure runoff from a field, depending on weather conditions and soil temperature. Spreading manure when there is an elevated risk of runoff, can send manure into streams and threaten water quality.

The runoff risk advisory forecast includes maps showing short-term runoff risk for daily field application planning. The maps account for soil saturation and temperature, weather forecast, snow and crop cover, and slope. The National Weather Service updates the forecast three times daily.

Farmers should contact their crop consultant, county land conservation office, or the DNR, for help identifying alternatives to high-risk spreading. One possible alternative is stacking manure in a safe location.

Manure haulers and drivers need to put safety first, when traveling on roadways, in order to avoid spilling manure, prevent injuries, and protect the health of people and the environment.

“About 31 percent of preventable transportation-related manure spills are due to operator error,” said Kevin Erb, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension conservation professional training program director. “An accidental spill is not illegal, but failing to properly report and clean it up, is.”

All agriculture and livestock operations, must report spills or runoff affecting water to the DNR’s 24-hour emergency spills hotline, at 1-800-943-0003.