Regulations on manure application on frozen soil vary from state to state. In most states, there is a restriction on manure application to frozen soil based on field characteristics such as slope of the field, ground cover, location relative to water, etc. For example, if the slope is greater than a certain threshold, then manure cannot be applied to frozen ground. If fields targeted for manure application are below the slope restriction, recent research has shown the greatest potential for manure or nutrient runoff when manure applications are made to frozen soil in late winter or early spring several weeks preceding snowmelt or spring thaw. The risk of manure or nutrient runoff when applications are made in early winter soon after freeze-up is much lower. However, it is not recommended to apply manure on top of snow at any time during the winter. Please contact your state livestock manure regulatory agency for the specifics in your area.

For practical tips to reduce runoff from frozen and snow-covered fields, review Capturing Land-Applied Manure in the Rootzone: Spreading on Frozen and Snow-Covered Ground.

Author: Ron Wiederholt, Nutrient Management Specialist, North Dakota Stat University