01/28/2008

Using Manure as Fertilizer? Learn More at the Manure Expo July 9

Writer:

Candace Pollock
pollock.58@cfaes.osu.edu
(614) 292-3799

Source:

Tami Combs, OSU Extension, OARDC
combs.155@osu.edu
(614) 292-6625

By Candace Pollock (614) 292-3799 pollock.58@cfaes.osu.edu

Source: Tami Combs (614) 292-6625 combs.155@osu.edu

LONDON, Ohio -- Manure application may be an option for growers looking for alternatives to high-priced commercial fertilizers, and an event spearheaded by five land-grant universities in July will cover the economics and management of manure as a crop production resource.

The Great Lakes Manure Handling Expo will take place July 9 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center (home of Farm Science Review) in London, Ohio. The expo is sponsored by Ohio State University Extension, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Michigan State University, Purdue University, Penn State University and Cornell University. Additional sponsors include Ohio Composting and Manure Management and the Midwest Professional Nutrient Applicators Association.

The theme of the Great Lakes Manure Handling Expo is “The Economics of Recycling” and will include commercial field demonstrations, educational demonstrations, educational sessions, and commercial vendor displays.

Session topics participants can look forward to include: calculating the value of manure nutrients; the benefits of proper equipment calibration; the importance of accurate record-keeping; how communication among applicator, producer and regulatory agency can improve application and the bottom line; safety precautions in manure application and storage; and case studies of farmers who will share their stories about manure management.

Educational demonstrations taking place during the event include: solid manure application rates; liquid manure application rates; preferential flow; calibration of manure application equipment; stockpiling best management practices; compaction; slurry seeding; and equipment safety.

Additional details about the Great Lakes Manure Handling Expo will be available in the near future. To learn more, log on to http://ohio-environmental.org, or contact Tami Combs at (614) 292-6625 or combs.155@osu.edu.