How to Spread Slurry?

Traditionally slurry has been applied with a broadcast spreader, where the slurry is forced under pressure through a nozzle and onto the field. This method of application can result in up to 80% of the available N applied in the slurry being lost to the atmosphere in the form of ammonia.

When can slurry be spread?

Firstly, Slurry should only be applied when soil temperatures are above 6 degrees and ground conditions and weather forecast are suitable. It is important that the applied slurry gets down to the roots of plants such as grass in the growing season, preferably bare fields or fields with low grass cover.

What time of year is best for spreading slurry?

When weather and ground conditions are right, February and March are the best months to spread slurry on silage ground as regards nutrient recycling. However, if (as is very necessary this year) the silage ground is needed for grazing in March, this restricts application until later.