Practice to avoid contamination of drainflow and runoff from slurry spreading in spring

Abstract

Abstract. Use of either three or six occasions to spread similar total amounts of slurry was investigated over the late winter/early spring period in two years, on plots with underdrainage. Slurry was spread on four 7 m by 25 m plots which were instrumented to allow collection of drainflow and runoff. The ‘mobile water’ pore space allowed transport of a small proportion of applied slurry through the 0.75 m soil profile. Evidence of a polluted ‘mobile water’ pulse occurred after periods of up to 48 hours following spreading, suggesting subsurface rather than overland flow. Timing of the pulse depended on whether subsequent rainfall accelerated the flow The contaminated flow persisted for 6–12 hours. The worst contamination of 39 mg/l NH4+ ‐N occurred under ‘bypass flow’ conditions, when 52 mm of rain fell during the 48 hours after a 5.2 mm application. Two contributory factors appeared important. The first was the long duration of the high intensity storm and the second was an extended period of severe frost believed to have created fissures associated with frost heave. Making several applications of slurry in amounts less than 35 m3/ha is preferable to fewer larger applications during spring, for cereals on medium to heavy soils. This recognises the likelihood of there being underdrainage on arable land and the optimal use of well‐drained, partially frozen ground to avoid compaction by slurry tankers.

Low‐ammonia‐emission application methods can increase the opportunity for application of cattle slurry to grassland in spring in Ireland

“…(2005). A 2‐d period after spreading during which no drainage or overland flow will occur is in keeping with the conclusions of Parkes et al. (1997).…”

“…The factors that determine whether a grassland is suitable for spreading slurry are legislative restrictions (Anon, 2006), risks of nutrient losses to watercourses (Parkes et al. , 1997), soil trafficability (Schulte et al.…”

Nutrient Movement and Removal in a Switchgrass Biomass–Filter Strip System Treated with Dairy Manure

“…If P concentrations are of concern, then only 1 d may be necessary. Ideal manure spreading conditions have been described as those with low probability of rain with 2 d of spreading and a rain‐free period for 3 d after spreading (Parkes et al, 1997).…”

Nitrogen and phosphorus losses in surface runoff and drainage water after application of slurry and mineral fertilizer to perennial grass ley

“…Surface application leaves the nutrients on the soil surface with little initial contact with adsorbing soil constituents, with the result that the losses in surface runoff are increased (Edwards and Daniel 1993, Misselbrook et al 1995, Turtola and Jaakkola 1995. Manure and slurry spreading outside the growing season causes high risks of nutrient losses into watercourses (Young and Mutchler 1976, Uhlen 1978b, Braun and Leuenberger 1991, Parkes et al 1997. The probability of direct losses due to rain or snowmelt water is high especially where the soil is impermeable, e.g.…”