Allen Soil and Water Conservation District recommendations

MEDIA RELEASE__Just because the weather is warming up and snow has melted doesn’t mean it’s safe to spread manure. When the ground is  still frozen or saturated, nutrients can’t soak into the soil.  Instead, melting snow and runoff can carry manure straight into  ditches, streams and rivers. 

This runoff can lead to water pollution, harmful algal blooms,  and elevated bacteria levels, such as E. coli, in our waterways. 

Waiting until the ground has properly thawed and conditions are right helps protect both your nutrients and our local water quality. Let’s keep it on the fields and out of our streams. 

It’s also important to remember that land applications of manure on frozen or snow-covered ground are regulated in Ohio and, in many situations, are illegal. Applying manure under these conditions can result in violations and potential penalties.  Regulations are in place to protect both farmers and our shared water resources. 

If you have questions or concerns about winter manure  application rules, please contact Danny Boroff at Allen SWCD  at 419-222-0846 x1008 or 419-979-8025, or email him at  [email protected].