Liquid Manure Injection

Dr. Curtis Dell, USDA Agricultural Research Service scientist and USDA Northeast Climate Hub co-director, shares Penn State's liquid manure injection unit.

Nitrogen in broadcast manure is often lost to the atmosphere, while phosphorus can be lost through runoff. Heavy rains are becoming more frequent in Pennsylvania and the rest of the Northeast, and are expected to increase further. This can lead to an increase in the loss of nitrogen and phosphorus from applied manure as well. Losses, however, can be reduced by injecting manure into the soil rather than applying it on the surface. With the injection method, more nitrogen and phosphorus stay in the soil. The crop benefits from the added nutrients and less is released into the waterways and air. Manure injection is also an effective way to reduce odors.

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