Prototype Precision Applicator for Solid and Semisolid Livestock manure

The development of a solid and semi-solid manure land applicator capable of accurate distribution can help increase the economic value of manure as a resource while lowering the environmental risk and negative social impacts of manure application. Dynamic control of the application rate in the field and the flexibility of several modes of application (surface banded, surface broadcast and banded incorporation) can contribute to make the management of solid and semi-solid manure products in large quantities a more technologically and economically interesting alternative for both livestock and field crop producers. A prototype land applicator was built based on the results from analysis of the physical and rheological properties of manure and lab-scale testing of different conveyors and components. The prototype includes the frame from a commercial spreader, inclinable sidewalls, load cells, and a hydraulically driven gate at the back of the box to help control the flowrate of material into the transverse conveyor. Two types of floor conveyors (scraper and screw conveyors) and two types of transverse conveyors (belt and screw) were tested based on discharge rate (kg/s) and unit energy requirements (J/kg or W per kg/s of discharge rate). The dynamic control of the manure application rate achieved through the adjustable gate and conveyor speed provided more accurate and precise manure application while the low impact spreading technique may decrease emissions after application, lowering nitrogen losses and odourous and greenhouse gas emissions. The transverse uniformity of distribution of the prototype land applicator eliminates the need for overlap between adjacent passes, reducing the amount of time spent in the field. Further cost savings may be achieved when considering the increased value of the manure as fertilizer and lower negative environmental impact offered by precision manure application.