Ohio Livestock Manure Management Guide

Bulletin 604-06

Appendix E - Liquid Manure Application: Equipment Needs and Management Guidelines

Source: USDA–Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ohio. Used by permission.

Equipment and Systems

The following basic irrigation equipment is needed:

• High-pressure irrigation pump
• Suction line
• Pipe (portable) to application area
• Nozzle and stand
• Pump for agitating storage waste

Four main types of irrigation systems are used for wastewater disposal:

• Hand moved (portable pipe)—up to 1.5 acre per set
• Traveler with hose drag—up to 7 acres per set
• Traveler with hose reel—up to 12 acres per set
• Mobile center pivot (one tower)—10 acres per turn

Manure slurries should be less than 10% total solids when using irrigation equipment. Most manure in storage meets this requirement, and water can be added for dilution. Pressure should be 80 to 110 PSI at the nozzle for “big-gun” nozzles. Small irrigation pumps can deliver 200 to 400 gallons per minute. Large irrigation pumps deliver 400 to 1,000 gallons per minute.

Pipelines used in waste management systems can be of the same type and general design of those used in normal irrigation systems. Because of the corrosiveness of the wastewater, underground pipelines should be constructed of plastic or other non-corrosive materials. Flushing pipelines and other waste-disposal equipment with clear water is recommended after each use and definitely before storage. Operators should use caution in flushing and decoupling pipelines to prevent excess ponding and spillage of liquid manure and subsequently, manure runoff problems.

Operation and Maintenance

The nature of manure disposal contributes to the tendency of many operators to wait until holding facilities are full or overflowing before emptying them. Poor management of waste disposal by irrigation has resulted in pollution and dissatisfaction with the system.

Note the following management guidelines:

• Irrigate wastes according to schedule and recommended application rates in the waste management plan.
• Do not irrigate during rain or on saturated soils. Do not irrigate if subsurface drains (tile) are flowing.
• Locate and inspect subsurface drainage outlets regularly to prevent manure discharge to surface waters.
• Maintain and repair broken subsurface drains (tile) to prevent manure discharge to surface waters.
• Maintain proper setback distances from ditch banks and grass waterways to prevent manure discharge to surface waters.
• Be alert to potential odor problems. Select site and time of irrigation to minimize odor nuisance.
• Keep debris out of manure and wastewater.
• Follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommended maintenance program to prevent equipment failure.
• Have an Emergency Management Plan in case of a manure accident or spill. See Chapter 7, Safety and Manure Handling.
• If possible, flush pumps and other irrigation equipment with clear water after each use to help prolong their life.
• Fill underground pipelines with clear water before using them to help eliminate dead spots of solids.