Refer to Manure Spreading Advisory #1 of 2017 (April 3, 2017) for the current Advisory. The following Update does not change the Advisory. Considerations for spreading manure during warm weather With the onset of warm weather around the South Coast of BC it is important to consider the impact of high temperatures on nitrogen (N) loss from manure. Volatilization of ammonia during and shortly after application is greatly increased when temperatures are high. Several other factors including manure composition, time to incorporation, wind, soil pH and moisture, and application method will impact ammonia loss as well. However, spreading manure when temperatures are above 25°C can result in a loss of 50% of the ammonia N within three hours of application. To avoid losing the readily available ammonia N in your manure Apply during the cooler times of day and when wind speeds are low Incorporate the manure as soon as possible Farmwest.com provides an Ammonia Loss From Manure calculator which can help predict the potential N loss during manure application. Losing ammonia from manure is a direct loss of its fertilizer value and should be considered when planning application timing and calculating manure’s contribution to crop N requirements.

The Manure Spreading Advisory Committee (consisting of industry and government representatives) is advising against manure applications due to lower air temperatures, the increased potential of significant rain events, and lack of vegetative cover and/or reduced nutrient uptake of cover crops. The committee will monitor weather and soil conditions and will issue further advisories as conditions change. In general, manure application on any crops is not advised until further notice. See below for advice on avoiding overflowing manure pits. Producers are responsible for decisions regarding manure spreading. Legislation gives no specific dates for manure spreading, but it does not allow for manure to be spread in a manner that causes pollution. Please read the entire advisory for details and important informationt to assist producers with decision-making about manure application.