ABSTRACT:
A case study analysis estimates field-level and farm-level nutrient loss reductions and associated income impact of nutrient management practices on four Virginia livestock farms. After the farms adopted a nutrient management plan, average annual nitrogen losses decreased by 23 to 45%, phosphorus losses decreased on three farms by 23 to 66%, and net farm income increased by $395 to $4,593. Reductions in nutrient losses varied within and across farms according to unique farm characteristics, fertilizer management practices, and weather. Although these nutrient loss reductions were significant, it is unlikely that reductions achieved through traditional nutrient management planning approaches alone are enough to achieve the 40% reduction goal for nitrogen loadings to the Chesapeake Bay.
Footnotes
Laura S. VanDyke is a former graduate research assistant, James W. Pease is associate professor, and Darrell J. Bosch is professor, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics: and James C. Baker is professor, Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia. They wish to thank the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for funding this research and providing nutrient management expertise, particularly Russ Perkinson for helpful comments. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of Conservation and Recreation; the authors alone are responsible for any errors of fact or interpretation.
- Copyright 1999 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society
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