Producer Stewardship Awards coming up

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

Fall is here, things are dry and there is still work that can be done in the fields; both in getting crops off and applying organic fertilizer, that is manure, for next years crops. When spreading manure, you must keep in mind Best Management Practices. You may not be aware, but the Nutrient Management Act is now the basis for the Best Management Practices of nutrient management. Therefore, manure should be applied at a rate based on crop fertilization requirements. As well as, when applying manure, you should remember the setback distance outlined in the Nutrient Management Act. The definition of a setback distance is the distance where manure is not to be applied. These setback distances for manure application are to wells and surface water.
For wells, you should identify where all the wells are located on or around the fields where the manure is going to be applied. Then based on the type of well, manure should not be spread closer than the required setback distance as outlined in the Nutrient Management Act. The three types of wells and different setbacks are as follows:
1. A municipal well requires a minimum setback of 100 metres (330 ft),
2. Drilled wells with a watertight casing to a depth of 6 metres, requires a minimum setback of 15 metres (50 ft)
3. And all other wells require a minimum setback of 30 metres (100 ft); this includes gas wells, sampling wells, oil wells or any other types of wells.
Recommended setback distances to surface water is more complex. For the first 3 metres (10 ft) from the top of the nearest bank of the surface water, no manure should be applied. After this the next 10 metres (33 ft), manure should be applied by direct injection or surface applied and incorporated within 24 hours of application or applied to a living crop, or to land with a minimum of at least 30% of crop residue.
In following Best Management Practices, you should also remember to keep a distance away from field tile inlets, catchbasins and standing water. Doing this will reduce the likelihood of nutrient losses. Also remember when applying manure to a field that is tiled, make sure to monitor the field tile outlets before, after and during manure application.
Manure is a good organic fertilizer, if applied correctly. Utilization of proper application rates and setback distances will ensure the sustainability of our farms for today and the future.
For more information visit the Ministry online at www.omafra.gov.on.ca , or call the local OMAFRA office at 482-1921.