# Liquid manure spreader

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Liquid_manure_spreader
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Liquid_manure_spreader.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_manure_spreader
> Source revision: 1308355890
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

{{Short description|Agricultural machine}}
thumb|Liquid manure spreader with extendable wheels designed to reduce soil compaction<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Rachel |date=2022-05-11 |title=Rugged six-wheel-drive slurry tanker set to tackle Ireland's steepest hills |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/arid-40870061.html#:~:text=The%20extra%20axle%20and%20tyres%20will%20reduce%20the%20pressure%20on%20the%20ground%2C%20meaning%20slurry%20can%20be%20spread%20in%20wetter%20conditions. |access-date=2025-08-03 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en}}</ref>
A '''liquid manure spreader''', also called a slurry spreader, is a piece of agricultural equipment designed to transport [liquid manure](/source/liquid_manure) (slurry or digestate) from storage and distribute it over fields. Equipped with a spreading tool at the rear, this implement enables the [fertilization](/source/Fertilization_(soil)) of arable land or grassland using slurry.

Liquid manure, sourced from [slurry pits](/source/Slurry_pit) of [livestock](/source/livestock) farms or [biogas plants](/source/biogas_plants), is typically applied in the spring to fertilize [arable land](/source/arable_land), fallow fields, or fields with [catch crops](/source/Catch_crop). In the fall, after fields have been harvested, they are often re-fertilized using a liquid manure spreader, followed by the sowing of green manure crops. Additionally, manure spreaders are frequently used between [grassland](/source/grassland) [mowings](/source/Mower) to maintain soil fertility.

Farmers, particularly livestock farmers, often own a liquid manure tank because it is cost-effective due to its year-round use.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Buying a new slurry tanker – the essential options |url=https://www.farmersjournal.ie/machinery/farm-machinery/buying-a-new-slurry-tanker-the-essential-options-799789 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=www.farmersjournal.ie |language=en}}</ref> However, contractors are commonly hired to expedite fertilization over large areas. To optimize efficiency, contractors often use [tank trailers](/source/Semi-trailer) to transport the slurry from the manure pit to the field, allowing the liquid manure spreader to remain on-site for continuous fertilization. For even greater efficiency, a large-capacity manure container can be placed at the [edge of the field](/source/Headland_(agriculture)). This container acts as a buffer, facilitating seamless transfer between the transport trailer and the spreader.

Agricultural machinery is generally available in three formats: self-propelled, towed, or carried. Self-propelled machinery features its own engine for propulsion, while towed or carried equipment requires a [tractor](/source/tractor) for movement. Liquid manure spreaders are typically available in self-propelled or towed versions, although umbilical slurry spreaders can be considered a carried type of liquid manure spreader.<gallery mode="packed">
File:Holmer Terra Variant 650 agra 2024 (DSC02815).jpg|Self-propelled liquid manure spreader
File:Same Dorado 90.4 mit Agrar Swissline 7000.jpg|Towed liquid manure spreader
File:Slurry spreading in Scotland (9334).jpg|Carried liquid manure spreader; umbilical slurry spreader
</gallery>

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
{{Commonscat|Agricultural equipment}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hywBLphgqSk Video showcasing a slurry spreader at work] on [YouTube](/source/YouTube)

Category:Agricultural machinery

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Liquid manure spreader](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_manure_spreader) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_manure_spreader?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.