The goal of 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
• Recordkeeping

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

• 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 and information sessions in manure nutrient management for interested regional MAFRI staff or industry professionals.

Tri-Provincial Manure Application and Use Guidelines was 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).

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:

• Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
• University of Manitoba
• Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
• Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute
• Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
• University of Saskatchewan

*Current technical contacts