What is one consequence of injecting manure too late in the growing season?

Prepare for the Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Enhance your understanding and boost your confidence before the test!

Injecting manure too late in the growing season can lead to increased nitrogen volatility. When manure is applied later than the optimal window, there is a greater chance that the nitrogen contained in the manure will be lost to the atmosphere as ammonia gas instead of being utilized by the plants. This is primarily because warmer temperatures and application to moist soils can accelerate this volatilization process when crops are not actively growing and cannot effectively utilize the nitrogen.

In contrast, applying manure at the proper time allows for better soil incorporation and nutrient uptake by actively growing crops. Higher crop yields, less soil disturbance, and improved nutrient uptake would typically be associated with applying manure at appropriate times, while late applications often result in nutrient losses instead of increases in productivity or efficiency. Therefore, increased nitrogen volatility is a significant consequence of late manure injection that agricultural managers should be aware of.

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