Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship advises soil temperatures have not yet reached the freezing point, so the winter nutrient application ban has been delayed until Nov. 14.
Without a variance, the standard ban on winter nutrient application begins Nov. 10 and ends at midnight on 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.
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 can access information on the winter spreading restrictions and the conditions necessary for a variance online.
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. The process for varying nutrient application dates was developed in consultation with the Keystone Agricultural Producers, the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers and the commercial manure applicator industry.
