Agriculture in Ohio is ever-changing and includes both large farms and many smaller farms. However, in most cases, the basic principles of manure management have not changed. Livestock animals produce manure, and people spread it. Usually the goal is to utilize the fertilizer nutrients in manure for crop production, while avoiding harm to the environment. Properly utilized manure can augment or replace purchased commercial fertilizer. Improperly managed manure can pollute soils, air, lakes, wells, and streams and cause substantial community conflict.
This revised edition of the Ohio Livestock Manure Management Guide, Ohio State University Extension Bulletin 604, updates and expands information provided in previous editions. The editorial committee acknowledges the contributions made by previous editorial committees and writers. In a break from the past, this edition’s editorial committee included individuals from other agencies and organizations who frequently work with farmers on manure-management issues along with The Ohio State University writing committee. It is hoped that this inclusive approach will provide a more unified single document for manure management recommendations. In addition, the editorial committee would like to thank the Ohio Livestock Coalition’s Educational Committee for reviewing the draft document.
Livestock manure can be either a valuable resource or an environmental pollutant. The whole purpose of this Ohio Livestock Manure Management Guide is to help farmers utilize manure as a resource while at the same time protecting our shared environment. A guiding principle for the writers of this edition of Bulletin 604 was to address the needs of both large and small livestock producers. This edition contains new and expanded sections, and the total length of the document is increased. We hope this new format will improve the guide’s usability and value for all of those involved in livestock manure management in Ohio.