The Sleighfoot Manure Applicator (SMA) imported from Holland in 1992 by the Dairy Producers’ Conservation Group (DPCG) has been tested by its members. Field trials made by Dr. Bittman of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada at Agassiz allowed him to conclude that the SMA is “environmentally responsible and economically sensible”.
SMA applies manure at the plant base by its feet riding on the ground surface. The vegetation is being combed and the plants resume their upright position. As the manure is applied at ground level, no splashing occur compared to more conventional manure spreader thus limiting the emissions of gases and odors to the air, no damage is done to the plants by flattening or burning from the manure and the nutrients contained in the manure are more easily available to the roots. Furthermore when SMA is used in growing crops the leaf canopy unfold after the SMA passage limiting considerably the odors and emissions. Manure spreading can be done at any time from April to September and particularly when the crops need it most.
If considering variable cost, the SMA is more interesting than splashplate spreaders because less ammoniac emissions keeping more nitrogen available to the plants. However if considering the capital cost, the SMA is less interesting. Leasing, jointly own or hire custom operators could alternatives that would improve the economics of SMA.

This technology of spreading manure at ground level into crops is very interesting and currently used also in Quebec with spreaders manufactured in the province. It offers a good control on the odors and gas emissions while spreading.