Farmers are finding an innovative way to manage manure more efficiently while reducing environmental impacts, thanks to advancements in irrigation and nutrient application technology. Kurt Grimm, Research and Development specialist with NutraDrip Irrigation Systems, explains how the system separates manure into a liquid form that can be safely and effectively used in drip irrigation.
“This technology removes particles down to 25 microns, creating a liquid without solids that could clog irrigation systems,” Grimm says. Traditional separation methods like slope screens or screw presses leave behind smaller particles that can cause issues during irrigation. By filtering out these small solids, farmers can use manure for fertigation with fewer obstacles.
The filtered liquid retains most of the nitrogen and potassium while reducing phosphorus levels, depending on farm-specific factors like feed rations. Grimm notes that this solution allows farmers to apply nutrients during the growing season when plants need them most. “It’s about feeding the crop when it’s hungry,” he says.
Supporting Farmers’ Needs
The system is designed to address common challenges farmers face with manure application. Typically, manure is applied in spring or fall, but this new approach matches application timing to crop demand in summer months, improving nutrient efficiency. Additionally, the subsurface drip irrigation method eliminates odor, a frequent source of complaints in areas near municipalities.
“There’s no smell and no runoff,” Grimm emphasizes. “With this system, manure is applied underground where it stays put, reducing volatilization and leaching.” This precision not only helps crops grow but also minimizes environmental concerns such as runoff into waterways.
Practical Implementation
Grimm explains the system’s process: manure passes through a horizontal screw press before reaching a lagoon. From there, it is filtered to remove small particles, either before or after storage. Farmers can use the system year-round or only during the irrigation season, depending on their operations.
For many farmers, cost savings are a major benefit. “If the cost of spreading manure is more than one and a half cents per gallon, this system pays for itself faster,” Grimm says. He adds that the technology also increases crop yields by 20-30% by optimizing water and nutrient application on existing farmland.
A Long-Term Solution
Feedback from farmers has been overwhelmingly positive, though Grimm acknowledges there’s a learning curve. “We work closely with farmers to ensure the system runs smoothly,” he says. “It’s a long-term investment designed to last 25 to 30 years, and many farmers are already seeing the benefits.”
Grimm highlights the system’s environmental advantages as well. By applying nutrients precisely and deeply, greenhouse gas emissions from traditional manure application can be reduced by up to 90%. Additionally, the risk of nutrient runoff and leaching is significantly lowered.
“This technology gives farmers a way to maximize their resources while protecting the environment,” Grimm says. “It’s about finding a balance that works for everyone—farmers, crops, and the land.”
