How hog manure applied?

Tree-Farmer · Aug 22, 2022

How do they put down hog manure for fertilizer?
I would like to have some applied this fall for nitrogen for corn next year.

I had heard about knifing it in, so I thought they drove over the fields with a truck or tractor putting it an inch or 2 underground.

I called Smithfield, they have a hog farm near me.

They said they usually run a hose to farms nearby, and spread it on the top of the ground, I assume. But you gotta be close enough. If you are, then its free. Is that correct?

Otherwise, you can get a truck/equipment to spread it, but it would be expensive. They said you would need about 5 trucks per acre at 6,500 gallons per truck. Which sounds like a lot to me.

Can anyone tell me how this works?
Am I missing something here?

Thank you!

Eagle Beagle · Aug 22, 2022

They are doing this all around where I farmed. Hose or tanker pulled behind applicator.

Beagle
Puck Equipment

ADB-Ia · Aug 22, 2022

Hog manure makes good fertilizer but it won't be free. We used hog manure on the farm I used to rent. The sheds were on the farm. All the fields were within 3 miles. They usually used tankers to haul the manure to the field. They did pull a hose a couple times. Their limit for pumping through the hose was 1 mile. Beyond that they either have to set up a second pump or haul the manure. Either way the manure is knifed in about 6-8 inches deep. It takes a big tractor (usually 300+ HP) to apply either way and a second tractor in the field to drag the hose if using a hose and one on the pump. Compaction can be a problem if field conditions are not right. And you may have to grid sample your fields to determine how much manure you can apply to avoid over-application. In Iowa soil sampling is required for commercial application of manure. The manure may or may not be free depending on supply and demand in your area. Even if the manure is free, you will have a substantial bill for application so you won't be getting free fertilizer.

ss55 · Aug 22, 2022

Many places hog manure does need to be knifed in, both to reduce runoff and odors, but also to preserve as much of the fertilizer value as possible. Surface or shallow application will not do those things.

Do your homework, the trucking might pay for you. Watch out for too much salt buildup in your soils.

JMOR · Aug 22, 2022

When I first read this & it asked how applied, my instant thought was with good breathing equipment. Just a brain tart, & I know not helpful. Sorry.

tomNE · Aug 22, 2022

first thing you need to find out is local laws!

flying belgian · Aug 22, 2022

One year when we had record amount of rain neighbor to one of my farms lagoon was over flowing late summer. I was the only guy for many miles that had some wheat stubble near him. He still had his vacuum spreader from years ago so he hauled about 20 loads on my wheat stubble. He had knives on spreader. No charge for the manure or the application. I did take him a case of Grain Belt. He was so happy to find a place to spread it and hold him over until beans were combined. Man did I raise a crop of corn on that field.

Rich'sToys · Aug 22, 2022

Around here there are custom applicators who do it. They either haul from their own farms or from other farms that do not have their own equipment. Maybe ask around locally and see what's out there.

gene bender · Aug 23, 2022

local areas and laws need to be checked just who and whats is available in my area all is knifed into the ground whether piped to the field or hauled in a truck Just why spread on top of the ground and lose the valu

How hog manure applied?

Tree-Farmer

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Eagle Beagle

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ADB-Ia

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ss55

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JMOR

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tomNE

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flying belgian

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Rich'sToys

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gene bender

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