January 2006

Tri-Provincial Manure Application and Use Guidelines - Manitoba Version

The goal of the Tri-Provincial Manure Application and Use Guidelines is to provide a set of recommended practices, supported by science-based information, to help ensure the sustainable use of manure as a fertilizer across the Prairie region.             

Topics addressed in the Guidelines include:

• Understanding Manure

• Soil Sampling and Analysis

• Manure Sampling and Analysis

• Understanding Soil and Manure Test Reports

• Calculating Manure Application Rates
• Manure Application Equipment
• Manure and the Protection of Water, Air and Soil
• Record Keeping

Tools contained in the Guidelines for managing manure as a fertilizer include:

• A general Unit Conversion Table and a Quick Look-up Conversion Table for manure

• Worksheets for Calculating Manure Application Rates (solid/liquid, metric/imperial)

• Methods for calibrating manure applicators and sample calculations (solid/liquid, metric/imperial)

The Manure Application and Use Guidelines have already been presented and discussed at regional MAFRI training events and industry seminars.  Upon request, central branch MAFRI staff can use the Guidelines in future training/information sessions in manure nutrient management for interested regional MAFRI staff or industry professionals. 

The Tri-Provincial Manure Application and Use Guidelines were prepared by the Prairie Provinces’ Committee on Livestock Development and Manure Management. Technical contributors from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives were Petra Loro*, Animal Industry Branch; Mitchell Timmerman*, Soils and Crops Branch; and Curtis Cavers, Soils and Crops Branch. 

*Current technical contacts for the Guidelines

The information contained in the Guidelines is based on research and experience from Canada’s Prairie Provinces, as well as from other jurisdictions. This document is the combined effort of a team of scientists and other professionals from across the Prairie region.  Acknowledgement and thanks go to the following organizations:                         

• Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization

• Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives

• Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

• University of Saskatchewan

• University of Manitoba

• Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute