SAM Initiative: Achieving Subsurface Application of Manures in the Chesapeake Bay Basin

This project will build on efforts by researchers, cooperative extension specialists and Bay area farmers to advance the deployment of both liquid and solid manure injection technologies in high-density animal production regions of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Manure injection technology - including the subsurface application of both solid and liquid manures - couples enhanced soil health and fertility with water quality improvements through reduced emissions of valuable nutrients to the environment. The project will also seek to engage the private sector to expand adoption of manure injection systems through collaboration with nutrient management planners and custom manure applicators. Partners will build on previous successes and base next steps on lessons learned to address technical barriers in a promising solid manure injection technology and expand demonstration and producer outreach for liquid manure injection systems that have been successfully reengineered for use in rocky soils characteristic of upland areas of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.