Application of manure Manure supplies soil with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and microelements essential for plant growth. The organic matter in manure can enhance soil structure by increasing porosity and water retention capacity. Organic matter also serves as a nutrient for soil microorganisms, aiding in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling. Mixing manure with soil reduces the risk of nitrogen and phosphorus leaching, which can cause surface water pollution. Ideally, composted manure without dry straw should be used, though this is not always feasible. Regardless, it is crucial to spread manure evenly across the field. Older spreaders are inadequate as they disperse larger lumps of manure. Therefore, modern disc machines often include adapters to crush manure before spreading.

In spreaders with vertical adapters, the function of crushing the applied fertilizer is already integrated. Even distribution of manure on the field is particularly crucial for chicken manure, which contains more nitrogen than cattle or pig manure and can cause local "burning" of plants if spread unevenly. Mixing manure with the soil is essential for its effective use as an organic fertilizer. Proper incorporation into the ground maximizes benefits for both soil and plants while minimizing potential adverse environmental effects. To incorporate manure, machines such as Rolmako U693, U652, U671 disc harrows, U436 no-plough cultivators, or similar cultivation equipment can be used, depending on the soil, amount of manure, and weather conditions. Manure is typically incorporated to a depth of 10 to 20 cm, adjusted according to soil type and machine. It is advisable to incorporate manure as soon as possible after application to minimize nitrogen losses through ammonia evaporation.

Application of slurry
In this scenario, multiple options exist for slurry application. However, the spray method is excluded due to excessive nitrogen losses and the accompanying unpleasant odor, which is particularly problematic in densely populated areas. Slurry can be applied either superficially or in depth. Superficial application methods include drag spreading hoses, foot coulters, or disc coulters. Among these, only disc coulters permit the introduction of slurry a few centimeters into the soil. Deep application can be achieved in two ways by attaching the appropriate equipment to a slurry tanker: the first method involves an applicator with coulters and spreading hoses, allowing slurry to be introduced to a depth of 12-15 cm, though it does not facilitate simultaneous cultivation, such as stubble tillage. The second method uses an applicator on a disc spreader that disperses fertilizer ahead of the discs through hoses. Rolmako employs a slurry applicator on U693 disc harrows. The choice of Vogelsang slurry applicator model depends on the width of the tillage machine it is to be installed on. Rolmako offers a range of machines compatible with Vogelsang applicators, enabling simultaneous fertilization and cultivation in one pass over the field. These machines can operate at a maximum depth of 10-12 cm, allowing for concurrent fertilizer mixing during stubble cultivation, which is a significant advantage. A potential drawback is that the combination of the barrel, disc harrow, and applicator is heavy and requires a high-power tractor. Therefore, efficiency cannot be solely achieved through the independent operation of a disc harrow of the same width.

Mixing natural fertilizers
A disc harrow is more effective for mixing manure with soil, especially when the fertilizer contains a high proportion of straw. A grubber is suitable for finely scattered manure or when mixing slurry. According to new regulations, the applied natural fertilizer should be mixed within 12 hours of application. In a ploughing system, ploughing after pre-mixing the fertilizer by several centimeters is the most reliable method for minimizing nitrogen losses. Without a plough, multi-beam aggregates with several rows of coulters can be used to mix natural fertilizers at greater depths, commonly applied when preparing soil for sowing corn in spring.

Advantages of applying organic fertilizers.
Soil Improvement: Organic fertilizers contribute organic matter, enhancing soil structure, water retention, and soil microbial activity. Nutrient Supply: Organic fertilizers naturally provide nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential micronutrients. Erosion Reduction: By improving soil structure, organic fertilizers can help reduce erosion.

When not to use organic fertilizers
In the event of contamination risk, the application of manure or slurry should be avoided during rainy periods or on steep slopes where there is a risk of fertilizers washing into surface waters. Excessive use of organic fertilizers on soils already rich in phosphorus can lead to its surplus and potential water pollution.

Summary
Each region or specific field may have unique needs and challenges. Consult with a local agricultural consultant or soil specialist before altering fertilization practices. Regular soil testing will assess nutrient requirements and the appropriate amount of organic fertilizer to apply. When considering organic fertilizer applications, also take into account local regulations and recommendations regarding groundwater protection, nitrogen emission reduction, and other environmental concerns.