During the spring, our farmers enrich our communities with the smell of manure in preparation of planting crops, but do you know why this source of fertilizer is so important?
Spreading of manure is done for a few reasons but its main purpose is to enrich the soil with the necessary ingredients to improve soil health, plant growth and increase crop yields.
Manure acts as a natural fertilizer, providing plants with the key components for growth, which include; nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
This also helps improve the soil structure, organic matter content and enhances its ability to hold water and nutrients.
Manure spreading can be a more cost-effective way to fertilize fields when it is applied correctly. It can also be more environmentally friendly compared to using synthetic fertilizers.
In the province of Nova Scotia, there are manure spreading guidelines which farmers are expected to follow, this helps to ensure proper manure spreading while increasing its effectiveness.
Farmers can be fined if manure spreading impacts water quality by improper spreading of manure, which is outlined in the provincial Environmental Act.
The smells across the Annapolis Valley may not be everyone’s favourite, but it sure reminds you of where you are from.
This important step each year, helps allow farmers crops to flourish, resulting in great yields!
Taken in Grafton yesterday.
Adrian J.
