While this is generally beneficial, it can also lead to environmental hazards if N loss from the soil is a concern. Fall applications of N are generally not recommended on coarse-textured soils. With spring applications, there is less opportunity for N losses from a field. However, spring applications result in less time for organic decomposition of the manure, including the release of some nutrients. Spring applications might also delay fieldwork and planting and could increase soil compaction.
Many producers use winter and summer applications.
While there will be significant losses of available N, the organic N fraction will still contribute to the plant-available N pool. The potential for nutrient runoff is an environmental concern for applications that cannot be incorporated, especially winter applications on frozen, sloping soil. If manure is applied and there is runoff from snow melt or rain, all nutrients in the manure can be lost with the runoff. This situation is not recommended. Broadcasting is the most common way to apply poultry manure, generally followed by incorporation with a tillage operation.