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Author(s) -
Bary Andy I.,
Sullivan Dan M.,
Fransen Steven C.,
Cogger Craig G.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj2001.1344
Subject(s) - manure , tractor , environmental science , nozzle , compaction , liquid manure , boom , agronomy , environmental engineering , engineering , geotechnical engineering , automotive engineering , biology , mechanical engineering
Small‐plot research in manure nutrient management requires accurate manure applicators that are easy to operate and maneuver. Our objective was to design a small‐plot liquid manure applicator that could apply variable rates of dairy manure containing up to 60 g kg −1 solids to perennial grass plots while avoiding traffic and compaction on the plots. The applicator consists of a 1000‐L fiberglass agitation tank mounted on four load cells, a delivery pump and motor, and a side‐mounted boom with four nozzles for manure application, all built onto a wagon and towed by a tractor. The side‐mounted boom allows manure application without traffic on the plots. Manure application typically was within 7% of the target rate and had a coefficient of variation ranging from 2 to 17%, measured over a series of rates from 53 to 211 Mg ha −1 (wet weight). The precision, accuracy, and ease of operation of the applicator met our research requirements. Efficiency of operation could be improved using a larger agitation tank.