Table 1 provides information on average annual lagoon liquid accumulation rates and estimated available nutrient contents. Table 2 estimates application rates and minimum land ar eas needed for lagoon liquid application for various cropping schemes. Lagoons should be pumped during the growing seasons such that there is adequate wastewater storage during the cool season. Always maintain at least two-thirds of the liquid volume in a lagoon to allow continuous bacterial digestion of the organic matter. If a high groundwater table exists, do not lower the lagoon liquid level below the seasonal water table.
Irrigation is the most cost-effective method of applying lagoon liquid to land.
Irrigate on days with low humidity and when breezes are blowing away from neighboring residences. Also irrigate in the mornings and early in the week when odors are apt to be least offensive. After weighing the important points of alternative manure management systems, a producer must decide which system appears best, then commit to providing the attention and management necessary to make the system function. No waste system will take care of itself. The appearance of buildings and grounds on poultry farms constantly generates images of the product, good or bad.