Manure Injection

A great way to increase available nitrogen!

Printable information sheet

What is manure injection?

Manure injection places manure directly into the soil root zone, which increases nutrient recovery. Thus, manure injection leads to a reduction in commercial fertilizer costs and reduced crop damage and application costs.

See the equipment in action.

Did you know your local Soil and Water Conservation District offers cost share or tax credit for manure injection?

  • Cost share: $45/acre reimbursement
  • Tax credit: If cost share is not taken, a state tax credit of 25% of out-of-pocket expenses is available.
  • Updating your Nutrient Management Plan to reflect manure injection application is required.
    • Interested participants are encouraged to contact their NMP planner ASAP regarding updates.
  • No-till planting methods are required on all fields receiving manure injection application.
  • Participant must provide an invoice that indicates acreage injected, application rates, and type of equipment used.
  • Sign up must be completed before injection occurs.

Why inject dairy slurry?

Injecting dairy slurry 

  • doubles the plant-available nitrogen compared to broadcast application
    • 114 lbs available N injected vs. 50.4 lbs available N broadcast (6Kgal application rate)
    • At 2023 nitrogen prices, a nearly $50/ac. fertilizer cost savings (~$0.80 x 64lbs)!
  • increases availability of P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn by placing nutrients in the root zone
  • meets no-till criteria by maintaining soil structure
  • minimizes crop damage when manure and starter are injected at planting
  • reduces odors
  • returns effective carbon to soil, enhancing soil health
  • improves on-farm nutrient balance and reduces purchased inputs
  • may eliminate the need for sidedress nitrogen

Manure Injection – The Numbers

Injection in Action

The Shenandoah Valley SWCD does not endorse any specific type or brand of equipment.  These videos are for informational purposes only.

Check out the video Manure Injection: Benefits and Challenges to learn more about this innovative manure application method in the Shenandoah Valley.

 

More Videos Showcasing Manure Injection