The Arlington Agricultural Research Station has historically relied on older manure application equipment that limited researchers’ ability to precisely apply manure, accurately track application rates, and minimize soil disturbance. These limitations created challenges for conducting research on nutrient management, water quality protection, greenhouse gas mitigation, and sustainable cropping systems. Because manure management plays a critical role in protecting Wisconsin’s groundwater, lakes, and streams, researchers needed equipment capable of delivering manure at exact rates and placing nutrients directly in the root zone while reducing runoff, erosion, and nutrient losses.

The newly funded manure tanker and low-disturbance injector will provide researchers with advanced precision application technology, including flow measurement, rate control, and subsurface manure placement. This equipment will support a wide range of research and extension projects focused on nutrient use efficiency, soil health, water quality, and environmental sustainability. By enabling more accurate and consistent manure applications across research sites, the investment strengthens UW–Madison’s capacity to develop science-based recommendations for dairy producers while advancing the Dairy Innovation Hub’s goal of stewarding Wisconsin’s land and water resources. In addition to Scott Evans and Marta Kohmann, Natasha Rayne and
Rebecca Larson are collaborators with this equipment.