Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship advises the winter nutrient application ban has been further extended until midnight Nov. 19. Given above-average temperatures, soil temperatures have not yet reached the freezing point.
Without a variance, the standard ban on winter nutrient application begins Nov. 10 and ends at midnight April 10. Decisions about variations are based on actual soil temperatures, the presence of snow cover and the long-term weather forecast. When a variance is authorized, it applies to forms of nutrients such as livestock manure and inorganic fertilizer.
As weather conditions can change rapidly, weather and soil conditions, and the weather forecast will be closely monitored by Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship. The variance may be rescinded if conditions change and soils become frozen, snow covered or significant precipitation is expected during the period of the variance.
At this time, nutrient application is allowed but certain conditions must be met. For example, nutrients can only be surface applied if they are immediately incorporated. Also, nutrients should not be applied in instances where the weather outlook is unfavourable, such as if snow or an appreciable amount of rainfall is expected that would result in run-off. Producers are reminded that additional information on nutrient application restrictions can be accessed online at www.manitoba.ca/nutrientdates.
Restrictions are designed to ensure nutrients are not applied when the ground is frozen and to protect the water quality of Manitoba’s lakes and rivers by reducing nutrient loading to waterways.
