How can manure from feedlots be reused as fertilizer?

Manure from feedlots is a valuable source of organic matter and plant nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which can be reused to improve soil health and crop productivity.12

Management and Application

Because feedlot operations generate large volumes of waste, proper management is essential to minimize nutrient loss and environmental risks:

• Collection and Storage: Liquid waste is often stored in tanks before being pumped into distribution systems, while solid manure is scraped from pens periodically and offered to crop farmers.34
• Application Methods: Solid manure is typically applied using a spreader that shreds and distributes the material uniformly over fields. Liquid manure may be applied via sprinkler irrigation systems.3
• Safety and Regulation: Due to the potential for human pathogens and the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, raw manure must be managed carefully. USDA National Organic Standards require that raw manure be applied at least 90 to 120 days before harvest, depending on the crop. Composting—which involves turning the material to reach high temperatures—can eliminate these restrictions by killing pathogens.14256

Beyond its nutrient content, manure acts as a soil conditioner, supplying humus that enhances water retention, aeration, and soil structure.12