The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding farmers and manure applicators to check the runoff risk advisory forecast before spreading manure on fields. This tool helps determine the potential for manure runoff from a field depending on weather conditions and soil temperature. Users can access this tool at http://www.manureadvisorysystem.wi.gov/runoffrisk/index.
The runoff risk advisory forecast includes maps showing short-term runoff risk for manure application. The maps account for soil saturation, temperature, and precipitation on a scale of 1.5 square-mile grids. The risk maps are updated four times daily with the latest information from the National Weather Service.
“When applying manure, it is important to have a nutrient management plan that accurately identifies appropriate application rates and locations for spreading,” said Mark Witecha, DATCP soil and watershed conservation section manager. “The runoff risk advisory forecast can help farmers make more informed decisions and mitigate runoff potential by helping determine when the best time to spread is based on both current field conditions and short-term weather forecasts.”
For more information about nutrient management planning, CLICK HERE.
