Manure Storage DuringA Dairy Modernization

Robert WilsonWI Department of Agriculture

Trade and Consumer Protection

Brian J. HolmesUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

Daniel J. MeyerIowa State University Extension

Augers to Spreader – no Storage

Why Do We Store Manure?

• To reduce the need for frequent hauling and land spreading

• To allow land spreading at a time when soil and climatic conditions are suitable

• To allow nutrient application at or near the crop’s growing season

Benefits of Manure Storage:

Hold manure until fields are ready

Use of custom applicators

Keep manure from state waters

Limitations of Manure Storage:Large capital investment

Large annual cost

Possible liability from large manure release

Odors - anaerobic decomposition

Large volume of manure to move through small time window

Short-Term Storage

• Need warm climate, no long periods with frozen or saturated soil

• Usually need some pasture or hay land for spreading

• Equipment, time, and labor needed on frequent basis

• Three months or less

Long-Term Storage

• Six months to one year

• Accommodates longer winter seasons

• May best fit annual cropping rotations

• Provides storage from one irrigation season to the next

• Allows scheduling of custom spreading

What Type of Manure Storage Facility Should I Select?

Influenced by form or consistency of manure:

Solid: > 15% dry matter

Slurry: 5%-10% dry matter

Liquid: < 5% dry matter

Slurry Manure

Flows to Road Ditch

Cost and Economics of Manure Storage Facilities

• A complete economic analysis may not support selection of the lowest capital cost manure storage facility.

• Cost should be integrated into an economic analysis of the complete manure management system.

“Manure Storage should be viewed as a Cost Center not a

Profit Center”

Leonard R. MassieUW-Extension Specialist (Retired)

Cost of Manure Storage Facilities

5.5 198Glass-lined steel tank

3.9 141

Above-ground precast tank

1.9 70Clay-lined earthen basin

Relative Cost

Approx. Cost $/1,000 GalStorage Type

Adapted from 1993 Minnesota NRCS cost survey of manure storage structures.

Basin in Clay Soil 37 1.0

Solid Manure Storage —Higher Rainfall Areas

• Concrete bottom and sides are desirable.

• Contaminated runoff or seepage must be properly managed.

Slurry Manure Storage Earthen Basins• Usually less costly than

tanks

• Can accommodate some lot runoff

• Requires soils investigation and seal construction

• Mowing and berm maintenance required

Slurry Manure Storage Earthen Basins(continued)

• Agitation is required for complete solids removal.

• Access points or platforms for pumping and agitation are required.

• Space requirements for berms and front/back slopes are greater. 20-15

Slurry Manure Storage Earthen Basins(continued)

• Some basins are fully or partially lined with concrete.

• Constructed ramps provide access with loading and hauling equipment.

• Basins may be emptied with mechanical loading equipment. 20-16

FROZEN MANURESTACKING AREA

PUSH-OFF

MANURE STORAGE

FROZEN MANURESTACKING AREA

ALTERNATE GRAVITY FLOWINLET

WALL

FENCE

CURBED ALLEY

Top Loading Manure Storage

Manure Storage Should Be:• Manure management tool

• Designed, built and managed to protect water quality

• Large enough to store manure during times when fields are not available for manure application

• Convenient to empty

• Designed for manure consistency (Liquid Vs Solid)

External Pressures - Safety

Drowning Hazard

Fences / Gates

Grates on openings

Warning signs

Training

Concrete Liner to Protect Groundwater Quality

Surface Water Drainage Around Storage

Safety Fence for Earth Basin

Security Fence

Push-Off Ramp Into Spreader or Ramped Storage

Push-Off Ramp

Mini Pit

Ram

p

Bump Rails

Bump Rails

Push-Off toSpreader

Add Bump Rail

Top loading of manure can cause large volumes of frozen manure during extended periods of cold weather.

Ramp Plugs with Frozen Manure

Needs Bump Rail

Manure Solids Accumulating at Single Push-In

Needs Bump Rail

Manure Push-Ins to Storage

Safety Fence at Pit Push-In

Equipment Bump Rail

Removable Plank

Alley

Alley

Push-In

Drive

Storage Tank

Reception Tank at End of 4-Row Freestall Barn

Drive-In Tunnel/Channel for Solids Removal

Safety Fence to Be AddedAfter Landscaping

Alley

Alley

Manger

Mini Pit

Ramp

Three Row Drive-By Freestall Barn with Mini Pit

Drive

Mini Pit Inside Barn(excludes rain water)

Ramp

FUTUREFREESTALL BARN

Plan View of Expandable Manure Storage

FUTURE STORAGE

RAMP DOWN

FREESTALL BARN

FIRST STORAGE

SummaryPlanning and Evaluation

Consider form or consistency of manure.

Make a thorough site investigation.

Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.