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library:articles:copper_sulfate_hoof_baths_and_copper_toxicity_in_soil 2010/02/22 13:06 | library:articles:copper_sulfate_hoof_baths_and_copper_toxicity_in_soil 2010/03/12 12:04 current | ||
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- | The copper sulfate foot bath is an excellent tool in the dairyman's toolbox as far as hoof health for their dairy cows. Over the past years the used foot bath material has been recycled with the manure. Copper is one of the sixteen essential nutrients for crop growth, however copper is a micronutrient which means it is only required in small amounts for crop growth. 200 bushel of corn will remove 0.15 lbs Cu/acre, 100 bushel of wheat will remove 0.11 lbs Cu/acre and one of the most common crops grown for the dairy cows alfalfa will only reomove 0.30 lbs Cu/acre. One of the best ways to monitor copper levels is with soil testing, and that is where we can help you. This article goes into detail explaining copper in the soil and also how the use of copper (in the diluted form with manure) should be managed on agricultural land. Although it was written with Pennsylvania growers in mind, the same basic principles and practices hold true for other areas of the country. Exceptions to this would be areas which contain sandy soils which do not have a high nutrient holding capacity. Muck soils which contain a high amount of organic matter also should be managed differently. As good stewards of the land, be sure to check with your local state specialists to help you better manage the use of copper materials or give us a call at Spectrum Analytic. | + | The copper sulfate foot bath is an excellent tool in the dairyman's toolbox as far as hoof health for their dairy cows. Over the past years the used foot bath material has been recycled with the manure. Copper is one of the sixteen essential nutrients for crop growth, however copper is a micronutrient which means it is only required in small amounts for crop growth. 200 bushel of corn will remove 0.15 lbs Cu/acre, 100 bushel of wheat will remove 0.11 lbs Cu/acre and one of the most common crops grown for the dairy cows alfalfa will only remove 0.30 lbs Cu/acre. One of the best ways to monitor copper levels is with soil testing, and that is where we can help you. This article goes into detail explaining copper in the soil and also how the use of copper (in the diluted form with manure) should be managed on agricultural land. Although it was written with Pennsylvania growers in mind, the same basic principles and practices hold true for other areas of the country. Exceptions to this would be areas which contain sandy soils which do not have a high nutrient holding capacity. Muck soils which contain a high amount of organic matter also should be managed differently. As good stewards of the land, be sure to check with your local state specialists to help you better manage the use of copper materials or give us a call at Spectrum Analytic. |