The Leading Edge

Manure application is under the microscope by regulatory and environmental groups, the abuses of the past are partially to blame. But a lot of the attention is from lack of odor control during application. Luke Mannetter of Tri-M Hauling in New Providence, Iowa, has been using the Yetter Avenger^TM opener on his liquid manure tank to reduce offensive lingering odors. “I have to live in this community and I would prefer to have my neighbors know I am doing everything possible to control odor” says Mannetter.

The Yetter Avenger incorporates a large 25” diameter coulter blade that operates at a slight angle to the direction of travel to open a very narrow slot for manure injection. Concave sealing discs are used to completely seal off the manure, trapping odor and helping to reduce the chance of run off. Mannetter went on to say “by injection and sealing off the manure, I don’t loose any nitrogen content; plus I get the added benefit of being a good neighbor.”

Minimal soil disruption created by this type of opener extends the application window many producers could gain from. With the Avenger^TM there is no reason not to apply in grassland even during the growing season. The surface quality of no-till fields is preserved since a shank is not used as an opener. Side dressing can start as soon as the crop is in the ground due to the absence of crop covering soil disruption.

“I use a sniff test to judge how well the odor is being controlled. After 24 hours if there is no lingering smell then I am satisfied” adds Mannetter. If more producers had the same attitude as Mannetter and used the Avenger^TM to control application odor the negative public sentiment might lessen. The results would be more acres could benefit from soil building enriched organic matter found in manure.