IPNI raises questions on manure vs. fertilizer issue

Norcross, Ga.-International Plant Nutrient Institute (IPNI) officials believe that research showing that the use of pig and beef manure can be more economical than chemical fertilizer raises some questions. While conceding that accessible manure should be fully utilized as an on-farm source of both plant nutrient and organic matter, Dr. Paul Fixen, IPNI senior vice president and director of research, commented, “It does have its application challenges and problems associated with fixed nutrient ratios that are not the same as the ratios needed by crop plants.” Fixen added that manure, when available in combination with commercial fertilizers to provide the right balance of nutrients for crop needs, is part of the 4R nutrient stewardship – combining the right source, right rate, right time, and right place – which can be applied to managing either crop nutrients including organic sources in general or fertilizers in specific. Don Armstrong, IPNI Better Crops editor, offered that which source is most expensive is determined in large part by how far the manure has to be transported. “An important point is that only 17 percent of U.S. corn acres ever receive any manure,” he noted. “That greatly limits its role in crop production systems.” The Texas AgriLife research was undertaken to demonstrate that animal manure benefits producers by reducing both waste management costs and the need for chemical fertilizers.