Manure Management

FACT

Almost all animal manure is incorporated back into the soil for crop production or sold as natural fertilizer to gardeners.


Animal manure is a valuable source of soil organic matter and nutrients. When properly applied, it improves soil structure and increases water retention.

When soils are cultivated for crops, organic matter is used by the growing plants. Replenishment of those nutrients is essential to sustained and economically viable crop production.

Producers are using manure management techniques to significantly reduce chances of ground or surface water contamination. Ongoing research is assisting producers to determine appropriate manure application rates using soil testing and manure analysis.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists have determined that the heavy application of manure to soil is an effective way to restore the productivity of saline and other degraded soils. Manure deposited on pasture and rangelands is dispersed naturally and acts as a fertilizer for the grasses.

In some areas, producers are planting trees and grasses along streams to help filter barn yard run off.