The Rural Voice, 1980-10, Page 34Use manure
more
efficiently
Livestock farmers are confronted with
manure disposal almost every day, and
many regard it as simply getting rid of a
waste product. Researchers at the
University of Guelph hope to change
this attitude to one of using a valuable
by-product, says Dr. D.P. Stonehouse,
School of Agricultural Economics and
Extension Education.
Dr. Stonehouse is coordinator of a
new project to encourage the most
economic use of manure in liquid and
solid handling systems. Proper hand-
ling is important during the stages of
collection, storage, distribution on land,
and incorporation into the soil.
"Manure can replace expensive
chemical fertilizers that are energy
intensive in their manufacture," says
Dr. Stonehouse. "Besides, the organic
content of manure is a useful compon-
ent that breaks down into humus in the
soil. This restores the natural balance of
soil structure and helps prevent eros-
ion."
Manure handling systems are expen-
sive and complicated propositions. But
researchers are investigating alter-
native systems.
"The objective of our research is to
use a computer to sort out the pros and
cons of various manure handling
systems," says Dr. Stonehouse. "This
means that many variables are weighed
against each other. In advising farmers
on the most appropriate system for their
particular circumstances, three major
criteria are considered --environmental
concerns, and economic and energy
efficiency."
Physical constraints such as available
labor, type and amount of land, and
type of crops grown, affect the way the
manure must be handled. Economic
variables, such as investment and
operating capital, also affect the
farmer's choice of system.
The complex problem demands a
team of experts from the departments of
engineering, land resource science,
animal and poultry science, environ-
mental biology, and agricultural eco-
nomics.
The project got under way this fall
with funds from the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture and Food. The scientists are
gathering current information on tech-
nical and physical processes, but more
research is needed in biological and
MAILBOX
OF THE
MONTH
belongs to:
Frank DeBoer
in Hulett twp.,
Huron County
engineering areas. For example, re-
searchers do not have sufficient inform-
ation on retention rates of nutrients in
manures that have been handled in
different ways.
Once these technical problems are
solved, the computer will be invaluable
in simplifying the maze of manure
handling systems. In this way the
ultimate user, the farmer, will be
greatly assisted.
Head off weed
problems now
Now that the early crops are harvested.
farmers have a chance to get a head start
on perennial weed control for next year's
crop. The dilemma facing most farmers is
whether to plow or spray first.
"Although fall plowing is a common
agricultural practice. farmers may have
to sacrifice this good management
practice in some cases. to make perennial
weed control a priority." says Rudy
Brown of the Ridgetown College of
A gricultural Technology.
The main disadvantage of plowing the
field first is that only a portion of the
weeds will emerge before winter,
especially in clay soils. As a result.
chemical control measures will have only
minimal effect.
"The best method of fall weed control
is to let the weeds grow after harvesting
the crop. and then spray them with
post -emergent herbicides." says Mr.
Brown.
Post -emergent herbicides are carried
through the plant to attack the roots.
Research shows that farmers can get the
best movement of chemicals to the roots
by spraying just before the weed reaches
the reproductive stage.
"Milkweed. sow thistle, bindweed,
Canada thistle. horsenettle and wire -
stemmed muley should be sprayed just
before flowering," he says. "For ef-
fective control of quackgrass. spray just
after the weed reaches the four-leaf
stage, about 20 centimetres (8 in.). high
or later."
Weeds and crop refuse may be disced
or plowed about five days to two weeks
after herbicide application, depending on
which herbicide is used. If regrowth
occurs, applications of herbicides can be
repeated until frost.
"Perennials are rarely eradicated with
one application of herbicides because
nature has provided these plants with two
methods of reproduction - seeds and
underground stems," says Mr. Brown.
"We have to take every opportunity to
reduce weeds to a manageable level."
"Snip" before
Jack Frost "nips"
Jack Frost will soon be nipping at
garden plants, but there's no need to lose
all of them to his icy touch. Bob Fleming,
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food
horticulturist, suggests that you snip a
few cuttings or dig some hardy herbs for
winter life indoors.
"Geranium cuttings as well as cuttings
of coleus and begonias should be taken
now and rooted in a 50-50 mixture of
moist sand and peat moss," says Mr.
Fleming. "Choose healthy cuttings,
breaking them at the joints. and remove
any damaged or diseased foliage."
Place the cuttings firmly in the
sand -peat mixture. Throughly moisten
the medium but avoid soaking.
The cuttings should root in three or
four weeks if they are in a sunny location.
Once fibrous roots appear. the plants
should be potted permanently. Place
them on cool, bright windowsills for
winter enjoyment.
Chives, parsley and dwarf herbs can
also adapt to indoor life. providing tasty
accents to salads and meat dishes. Dig
around a small section of the plant in the
garden. taking care not to damage the
roots. Lift it up and place it in a flowerpot
and water to stitnulate new growth. Place
them in sunny windows.
THE RURAL VOICE/OCTOBER 1980 PG 33