Supercow: A Liquid Manure Applicator for Small Plot Research

A.I. Bary, D.M. Sullivan, S.C. Fransen, and C.G. Cogger
2001. Agronomy J. 93:1344-1345.

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Small-plot research in manure nutrient management requires accurate manure applicators that are easy to operate and maneuver. Our objective was to design a small-plot liquid manure applicator that could apply variable rates of dairy manure containing up to 60 g kg-1 solids to perennial grass plots while avoiding traffic and compaction on the plots. The applicator consists of a 1000-L fiberglass agitation tank mounted on four load cells, a delivery pump and motor, and a side-mounted boom with four nozzles for manure application, all built onto a wagon and towed by a tractor. The side-mounted boom allows manure application without traffic on the plots. Manure application typically was within 7% of the target rate and had a coefficient of variation ranging from 2 to 17%, measured over a series of rates from 53 to 211 MG ha-1 (wet weight). The precision, accuracy, and ease of operation of the liquid manure applicator met our research requirements. Efficiency of operation could be improved using a larger agitation tank.