The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding farmers to utilize the runoff risk advisory forecast before spreading manure.
The advisory forecast is a tool that allows farmers to know the potential risks ahead when choosing to spread manure on their fields, taking into account weather and soil conditions.
It includes a map which is updated four times a day, showing short-term risks by using soil saturation levels, temperature, and precipitation.
During the summer months, a three-day forecast is offered while the winter and spring forecasts offer 10-day outlooks.
Andrea Topper, DATCP nutrient management outreach specialist says, “The 10-day forecast is especially helpful since manure applications are unincorporated and exposed on the surface for a longer period of time.”
Checking the risks of applying manure to fields can prevent runoff into watersheds, rivers, or lakes and potentially contaminating water supplies.
