Subsurface manure application

Last changed: 20 June 2024
Photo of subsurface application of manure.

In-furrow subsoil application of liquid manure is a measure that reduces emissions of ammonia from manure by reducing the time of contact to the open air. The measure also reduces the risk for surface runoff of the manure.

Subsurface application of liquid organic fertilizer based on manure under pressure into the grooves is a measure that makes it possible to increase soil fertility and improve soil structure, regardless of the type of soil.

In liquid organic fertilizer, nitrogen is in a more accessible form for plants than in solid fertilizer, and its introduction into the root zone allows the most efficient use of the potential of fertilizers. The placement of fertilizers inside the soil, in less dense soil layers, under the surface soil crust accelerates the process of fertilizer infiltration, which excludes the formation of fertilizers on the soil surface, therefore, the risk of surface runoff of nutrients into water bodies is reduced. Surface washout of fertilizers into water bodies is one of the main sources of nutrients.

Subsurface application of liquid organic fertilizer based on manure under pressure into the grooves gives an advantage both in terms of reducing emissions into the atmosphere and water bodies, and the farmer receives preferences by reducing the need to purchase mineral fertilizers, increasing soil fertility and obtaining large yields of crop products, including in meadows and pastures. Also liquid organic fertilizer is an additional source of moisture during dry periods of the year.

 

Localisation and implementation

This method is intended for use on grassland or arable land with minimal tillage before planting and after harvest (Figure 1). The method is used in almost all countries, but has some limitations: the method is less effective on very stony or on very thin or compacted soils, where it is impossible to ensure uniform penetration to the required working depth. Systems for applying liquid organic fertilizer under pressure are more energy intensive than surface or belt application equipment. The application rates vary depending on the characteristics of the fertilizers, the crops grown and the degree of soil fertility.

Principal picture of subsurface manure application.
Figure 1. Basic scheme of in-furrow subsoil application of liquid organic fertiliser under pressure. Illustration: IEEP, Russia.

 

Effects, duration and maintenance

Accelerated assimilation of nutrients from fertilizers by plants, soil and exclusion of surface runoff, reduce nitrogen emissions and phosphorus input into water bodies. The potential to increase productivity and reduce emissions and runoff are the main results of subsurface application.
The effect is long-term if soil condition during implementation is optimal. After incorporation, no maintenance is needed.

 

 

Authors:
Eduard Vasilev, Aleksandr Briukhanov, Ekaterina Shalavina and Ekaterina Vorobyeva. Federal Scientific Agriengineering Centre VIM, St Petersburg, Russia.

Contact: 
Eduard Vasilev, Federal Scientific Agriengineering Centre VIM, St Petersburg, Russia. e-mail

 

Waterdrive is financed by Interreg Baltic Sea region, EU regional development fund and the Russian Federation.