Discovery Farms Washington: Evaluation of Solid Manure Storage
The Whatcom CD partnered with American Farmland Trust, King Conservation District, and two farm sites in King County, Washington to evaluate water quality impacts from different types of solid manure storage. Four types of manure storage were tested: a pile on compacted dirt pad, uncovered; a pile on dirt, covered with a tarp; a pile in on a concrete slab, uncovered; and a pile on a concrete slab; covered with a roof. Findings showed that covered manure has less stormwater runoff and leaching of manure nutrients. Manure composition is reflected in the analyte profile seen in stormwater runoff and is variable between sites with different livestock. Finally, covered manure achieves a greater temperature to enhance the composting process and create a better end-product.
Project duration: 2019-2021