Animal Manure Management

Recycling local manure nutrients before purchasing fertilizer is key to protecting the environment. Manure can be an economic “Win”, due to its fertility value, and a soil quality “Win”, due to its organic matter. But it can also be a community risk, due to odors and pathogens. Our live educational programs, online courses, and resources provide science-based information on economically viable, environmentally sound manure handling systems that also comply with all regulations.

Wednesday April 3, 2024

Using technology to monitor water on the ranch

Producers who are looking to minimize time spent checking water may consider investing in one of many modern water monitoring solutions.

Monday April 22, 2024

Choosing a manure application rate

An often asked question is, "how much manure do I need?". The answer is not as simple as the question. It depends on the crop you are growing and the expected yield, existing soil nutrients, knowing your goals, the type of manure you wish to use, and any other fertilizer nutrients you expect to apply.

Wednesday April 17, 2024

Nitrogen Fertilizer Trends in Nebraska from 1955-2023

fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency dot graph

This Nebraska Extension article highlights the impact of factors such as plant genetics and improved production practices to fertilizer consumption in Nebraska over numerous decades.

Thursday May 2, 2024

UNL Researchers Advance Soil Health Cycle Concept

Inspired by an extension event survey comment, Dr. Bijesh Maharjan, associate professor and extension specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center, conceptualized the soil health cycle (SHC) as an iterative soil health management cycle to achieve agricultural sustainability.

Thursday May 16, 2024

Strategies to Minimize Compaction During Wet Spring Conditions

photo of water standing in tire tracks of field

Insights on how wet field conditions affect compaction and ways to mitigate compaction when field work can't be delayed.

Thursday June 6, 2024

Managing Animal Carcass Leachate to Prevent Water Pollution

PhD student Gustavo Castro shares some of the challenges of managing animal mortality in livestock production, focusing on routine and large-scale events due to disease outbreaks or natural disasters. This article discusses carcass disposal by burial, best practice for siting burial pits, prevention of groundwater contamination, and logistical challenges caused by large-scale mortality events.

Thursday June 20, 2024

What is EQIP? And who is eligible?

Part 1 in a series of 3, this article explains the basics of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service's Environmental Quality Incentives Program, known as EQIP.

Monday June 24, 2024

So, you're considering applying for EQIP...

Part 2 in a series of 3, this article explains the what to think about when considering applying for the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service's Environmental Quality Incentives Program, known as EQIP.

Thursday June 27, 2024

When you're ready to apply for EQIP...

Part 3 in a series of 3, this article explains the what you need to know when you want to apply for USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service's Environmental Quality Incentives Program, known as EQIP.

Wednesday June 26, 2024

From Soil to Swine: How One Nebraska Farmer Found Success in Manure Management

Nebraska farmer Walt Troudt added manure to his cropping system and hasn't looked back. Hear his account of the value of manure for farmers in Nebraska.

Monday July 29, 2024

Nitrogen Sources and Water Quality Field Day

Nebraska Extension will host a Nitrogen Sources and Water Quality Field Day on August 13, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Haskell Ag Lab near Concord, NE.

Friday October 11, 2024

Maximizing Manure Efficiency in the Fall

drag hose manure spreader applying manure to a field

As the harvest season winds down and cooler temperatures set in, it's time to start thinking about post-harvest plans. For many farmers, this means planning manure application. Manure is a valuable fertilizer and soil amendment, but to maximize its benefits, it should be treated with the same attention as commercial fertilizers. However, some farmers overlook manure in their fertility programs, missing out on its potential.