Spreading FYM on growing crops

Douglasmn

Member
What about compaction? Don't understand why you'd spread on top of ploughing or a growing crop.
I agree. I've only gone on the tramlines because of this. Tried some hen muck on top of ploughing before sowing oats a few weeks ago and has to abandon after the first load because of the ruts. Spread on a stubble instead though then just disced it in before sowing and worked a treat. This will be the plan for next year definitely.
IMG-20180512-WA0002.jpeg
 

jg123

Member
Mixed Farmer
We plough all the muck in mainly as we are mixed farming and have a lot, at least 2 loads an acre. Would want any muck spread on surface nice rotten stuff not stuff from a neighbour and full of weed seeds and blackgrass from bought in straw etc
 

tw15

Member
Location
DORSET
Do spread chicken muck onto osr with west side spreader works well just run the pto at about 450 to get 12 mtr spread so keeps application even up and down 24 mtr tramlines could do upto 40 mtr tramlines easily just have to increase pto speed .ok you don.t get the bit that is in the tramline but it doesn't seem to matter as yield is less there as damage from underside of tractor when desiccating .
 
What's the point though? Bury it in the ground where the worms are and you won't lose N to the atmosphere and through runoff after rain.
Why plough it down? Wont do much good at the bottom of a furrow. Muck on grass is good . Crops should be the same. Compaction? Light land not a problem.
 

Douglasmn

Member
Its a great idea to spread into a growing crop, best use of your nutrients but should be applied with a spinner deck for more accurate results
Will look at trying one of those next year. I think it's a logical step forward. Seems pointless to handle the muck twice per year when only once is a viable option. This way till save 2 days work per year. Doesn't sound like much but when you can only be on farm for around 8-10 days per month then it really counts.
 

Douglasmn

Member
Where are they worms and microbes that feed on muck? Where are the plants roots?
The worms burrow up to the surface and pull it down, doing all kinds of good in the process. See it most evidently on an over wintered stubble with chopped straw. The muck also rots best at ground level, in the same way wooden fence posts do!
 

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read the TFF thread here: https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/gfc-was-to-go-ahead-now-not-going-ahead.405234/
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