2020 Nutrient Management Workshop
January 22, 2020 | SCRCA Stewardship Team
On January 22, 2020, the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority co-hosted an afternoon workshop on manure and fertilizer management with the Lambton Cattlemen’s Association. The workshop was held at the Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood Community Centre Complex and attracted 25 participants.
The workshop was made possible through financial support from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Canadian Nature Fund.
Presentations included:
Why is the Sydenham River So Special?
Jessica Van Zwol (Healthy Watershed Specialist, SCRCA)
Jessica started off the workshop by discussing the ecological significance of the Sydenham River Watershed and why it is important we take efforts to protect water quality in the region.
OMAFRA Tools for Nutrient Management
Kevin McKague (Water Quality Engineer, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs)
Kevin provided an overview of the next generation of free online nutrient management planning software for Ontario that has been developed by OMAFRA. During this session, Kevin highlighted the new AgriSuite Manure Management Tool and provided an update on the AgMaps Soil Erosion Calculator.
Regenerative Agriculture for Cattle and Cash Crop Farms
Dr. Peter Kotzeff (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)
Dr. Kotzeff is a veterinarian and beef farmer who owns and manages over 1,800 acres in the Bruce County. Dr. Kotzeff discussed his intensive grazing management and how his practices focus on improving soil health, water quality, and riparian ecosystems.
Timing Matters – Responsible Manure Application
Graham McLean (AGRIS Co-op)
Graham discussed the “Timing Matters” initiative between OMAFRA and agricultural sector organizations that was developed to raise awareness on the risks of winter spreading. The initiative seeks to understand why winter spreading is a continued practice, addresses the risks of winter spreading, and establishes alternatives to winter spreading. Through “Timing Matters,” there is a peer-to-peer response team within the Lake Erie watershed.
Timing Matters
Timing matters when it comes to applying manure and other nutrients.
Phosphorus in manure and other nutrients can be lost in runoff when applied at the wrong time, meaning a loss of nutrients for you and a greater risk to the environment (such as algal blooms and reduced water quality in our Great Lakes). This includes when it is applied:
- on frozen and snow-covered ground
- right before it rains
- when soil is saturated