Using Liquid Manure with Newly Planted Corn and Soybeans

By Glen Arnold, CCA, adapted from C.O.R.N. 2025-12

Many farmers in Ohio got a planting window in April for corn and soybeans. Commercial manure applicators also made progress in getting manure to fields. Some crops have emerged, and others will soon as we look forward to another planting window.

Liquid manure can be applied to both corn and soybean fields after planting. Post-manure application has some advantages over applying manure before crops are planted. One advantage is that the added soil moisture from the liquid manure does not delay corn or soybean planting. The second advantage is that the liquid manure adds moisture to the soil, which can enhance crop germination and emergence, especially if the weather turns off dry.

As soon as a field is planted, the manure can be applied. The seed is protected by an inch or more of soil. In university research, the application of 10,000 gallons per acre of dairy manure and 5,000 gallons per acre of swine finishing manure has not negatively impacted crop germination and emergence on corn or soybeans.… Continue reading