Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryUtilizing Animal Manures Effectively for Fertilizer



Utilizing Animal Manures Effectively for Fertilizer

Author: Nick Roy

Planning Unit: Adair County CES

Major Program: Soil testing

Plan of Work: Strengthening Adair County's Agriculture Industry

Outcome: Initial Outcome

In 2022, fertilizer prices increased nearly three-fold compared to 2021.  The increase in prices brought attention to the need to use both fertilizers and animal manures effectively to grow crops.  In Adair County, a large amount of animal manure is produced annually from beef, dairy, and poultry operations.  

During the winter of 2022, multiple educational programs were held addressing grain producers, dairy and beef cattle producers, and poultry producers.  Strategies were shared on how to best manage animal manures effectively for fertilizer.  A specific technology addressed was a tool called Nitra-Check which allows for quick soil nitrate analysis.  The technology was purchased by the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service to begin offering testing services of soil nitrates following animal manure applications.

Samples representing approximately  200 acres where submitted by farmers in the spring of 2022 for analysis.  Results revealed that one fourth of the fields tested did not need any additional nitrogen fertilizer applied, half of the fields needed only a half rate, and only a fourth needed a full rate applied.  In total, $20,000 was saved by farmers by reducing their nitrogen fertilizer rates as a results of the test results.  Expanded testing is planned for the 2023 growing season.






Stories by Nick Roy


Agriculture Leadership In Adair County

about 20 days ago by Nick Roy

The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service plays a pivotal role in fostering leadership developm... Read More


Showcasing Local Agriculture Prodcuts

about 2 months ago by Nick Roy

In development...Farm to Fork for CEC in Fall and Upcoming Chamber MeetingDescribe the Issue or Situ... Read More


Stories by Adair County CES


Introduction to Photography

Introduction to Photography

about 4 months ago by Dylan Gentry

Describe the Issue or Situation:In the Lake Cumberland Area, many Homemakers had an interest in phot... Read More


Cajun Cooking

Cajun Cooking

about 4 months ago by Dylan Gentry

Describe the Issue or SituationLake Cumberland area residents have expressed a growing interest in l... Read More