CELINA, Ohio – When you have livestock, manure is going to happen. How farmers handle that manure can make it a valuable resource or it can send them up the proverbial creek without a paddle.

Water quality, nutrient management, potential algae blooms and regulations related to manure application continue to be hot issues and they are just a few of the topics to be covered during the 2021 Manure Science Review on Aug. 10 at MVP Dairy, 7124 US 33, Celina. The event runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

“In 2001, John Smith, an OSU Extension Educator in Auglaize County (now retired), suggested a field day/educational workshop to provide science-based information that addressed issues facing livestock and poultry producers,” Mary Wicks said. “That year, we held a 2-day event at two different locations and both were well received. Since then it’s been held annually at different locations around the state.”

Wicks is the Ohio Composting and Manure Management (OCAMM) Program Coordinator with The Ohio State University. She said Manure Science Review (MSR) is a chance for farmers to learn the latest on managing manure, updates on rules and regulations, and what the research shows.

“They also have opportunities to watch field demonstrations of best practices and application methods, Wicks said. “Finally, it’s a chance to interact with other farmers and manure professionals to hear what others are doing.”

Learning the latest information on manure management benefits both the environment and the bottom line, according to Wicks.

“Farmers can hear and see what is new in the world of manure, including what does or does not work, and that manure has economic value”, she said.

Wicks added another benefit to the MSR is that it addresses many potential issues livestock farmers should be concerned about.

“Nutrient runoff, particularly P, and its effect on water quality and potential for harmful algal blooms continues to be a concern,” Wicks said. “Also, regulations that limit manure application on frozen ground coupled with changing weather patterns, especially heavy rains, have reduced the number of days that manure can be applied. Thus, there is a need to carefully manage storage and look at ways to expand the application window, which is what Glen Arnold has been doing with his on-farm research on side dressing corn and wheat with liquid manure.”

An added highlight of the Manure Science Review is the fact that it is held on different farms around the state giving farmers a chance to see what other farmers are doing and what works for them. This year, the host farm is also the 2021 U.S. Dairy Sustainable Award winner.

 “MVP is a totally new dairy designed to utilize the latest technology for milking and cow comfort,” Wicks said. “They have an 80-cow rotary milking parlor, tunnel ventilation, misters for cooling and cow brushes for back-scratching. They focus on sustainability, practicing regenerative agriculture, and were named the 2021 U.S. Dairy Sustainable Award winner. The Learning Center features interactive displays on everything from soil to cows to yogurt.”

Sessions include Updates: Saturated buffer research and Grand Lake St. Marys, by Stephan Jacquemin, Wright State University-Lake Campus; Legacy phosphorus runoff, by Will Oberholz, USDA-ARS; and KDS/Quick wash manure nutrient recovery, Theresa Dirksen, AG Solutions.

Wicks said Oberholz’s presentation on Legacy phosphorus or Legacy P explains that Legacy P refers to phosphorus that has built up in the soil due to past applications, (i.e., not recently applied). It can be mobilized and runoff into streams. USDA ARS has been researching factors that affect the risk of that happening. Wicks shared a link to an abstract article for more information on the topic: https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=370402.

A presentation by Dirkson describes the KDS/Quick Wash two-step process in which manure solids are mechanically separated (KDS separator) and then the liquid is further treated (quick wash) to remove additional P. Wicks shared a second link defining the process. https://ocj.com/2019/10/manure-separation-shows-promise-for-better-nutrient-management/

Field demonstrations include solid manure application comparison and calibration, liquid manure application and incorporation, and side dressing growing crops with manure.

The Manure Science Review is a joint effort of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Mercer Soil and Water Conservation Districts and AG Solutions.

The full-day MSR program qualifies for continuing education credits in four areas: Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Certified Livestock Manager (CLM), Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), ODA Fertilizer Recertification and Indiana Office of State Chemist.

The cost is $25 for registrations through Aug. 1 and $30 after (includes program, handouts and barbeque lunch). Registrations may be mailed to Mary Wicks, OARDC/OSU, 1680 Madison Ave. Wooster, OH 44691. Make checks payable to OSU. For more information, call 330-202-3533 or email or wicks.14@osu.edu. Visit the ocamm website at ocamm.osu.edu.