Software sizes up storage
There are two new computer programs which could help some Ontario farmers cope with increasing environmental attacks by arming them with an impressive array of data. More importantly, both can assist with critical manure handling decisions.MCLONE3, decision support software, just deals with liquid swine and dairy manure at present. But Mike Goss, professor emeritus at the University of Guelph's engineering school, who heads the development team, says other species and solid manure will be included in future releases.
Using MCLONE3, farmers can size manure storage, calculate nutrients for land application, and determine odour and nitrogen dissipation into the air. Goss says the program is a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Michigan State University utilizing "millions of dollars of data collected under the Green Plan."
Right now, the program is free for anyone who agrees to test it and provide feed-back.
The second option, the Manure Management Program, includes a module for sizing manure storage and another which allows producers to design their own nutrient management plans. It costs $37.95.
For more information on MCLONE3: Mike Goss, (519) 824-4120. For the Manure Management Program: Don Hilborn, (519) 537-6621. - RI