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DNR Addresses Confusion About Manure Application on Frozen Ground
DES MOINES – Concerns expressed to the DNR on a proposal that would limit surface manure application in the winter indicate there are some misunderstandings about the rule. “The proposed rule would rarely affect small producers and it is not a total ban on winter application,” said Claire Hruby, a DNR geologist. If passed, Hruby said that under most circumstances the rule would apply only to those larger operations that are required to have a manure management or nutrient management plan. Hruby also made the point that manure could be applied in the winter if it was possible to inject or incorporate it. The proposed rule restricts surface application between Feb. 15 and April 15 only if the ground is frozen or snow-covered. If the ground thawed, but a layer of frost formed overnight, application would be allowed. The DNR has produced a fact sheet and flow chart so that people can determine who is affected and when the rules would apply. The flow chart will help people understand different requirements for solid and liquid manure. The flow chart could also be helpful to anyone applying manure as guidance to minimize the risk of manure runoff while soils are frozen and impermeable. Six public hearings will be held throughout Iowa starting on March 16 in Des Moines and ending on March 24 in Mason City. People can provide input to the DNR at a hearing or submit comments in writing to Claire Hruby, Iowa DNR, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319 or by e-mail to Claire.Hruby@dnr.iowa.gov. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on March 27. More information and the fact sheet can be found under New Rules on the DNR’s Animal Feeding Operations home page or directly at
http://www.iowadnr.gov/afo/newrules.html.
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