The nutrient content of manure will vary depending on type of ration, amount of bedding, storage & handling, etc. It is recommended to have a lab analysis conducted. An average value for dairy slurry manure in an open pit is 32 lbs. N, 15 lbs. P, and 20 lbs. K per 1000 gallons. The amount that can be applied per acre depends on the crop to be grown, yield potential, current soil fertility, etc. Based on N as the target nutrient and assuming 130 bu./acre corn, approximately 10,500 gallons can be applied per acre. (1.3 lbs. N per bu. corn = 169 lbs. N needed for 130 bu. production. Assuming only 50% of the N is available in the year of application, then 169/16 lbs. N x 1000 gal. = 10,562 gallons). The potential maximum $ value can be calculated taking the current value of N,P,K, for commercial fertilizer (i.e. 16#'s N x $.12 + 12#'s P x $.24 + 20 #'s K x $.11 = $7.60/1000 gal) . This is an example since many factors (soil nutrient deficiencies, handling, transportation and application costs, etc.) determine the true value. Dave Fischer, Extension Dairy Educator - Illini DairyNET

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