Caution: The correct response to this question can often be specific to a region, state, or location. The reader is encouraged to discuss this response with state or local Cooperative Extension, USDA, or regulatory experts.
This depends on how the plan is written to meet regulatory requirements. The important thing to note is that the manure application should reflect the nutrients applied as compared to the nutrients required for the crop. Many nutrients like phosphorous and potassium will remain in the soil for the subsequent crop. Some nitrogen may remain for a subsequent crop depending on rainfall and soil type. Residual nitrogen must be determined via a soil nitrate test.
Therefore, all plans should address this possible situation at least generically and reference the fact that current soil tests and manure analysis are the tools needed to make daily decisions on application rates. The plan is just a tool to guide this and is not intended to be able to predict exact application rates for a period of years. Sometimes a simple letter or amendment to a plan can address such issues as crops not being harvested, crop failure, or change of crops being grown for manure application.
Author: Karl Shaffer, Extension Associate for Soil Science, North Carolina State University
