RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Overcoming the challenges of phosphorus-based management in poultry farming JF Journal of Soil and Water Conservation FD Soil and Water Conservation Society SP 375 OP 389 VO 62 IS 6 A1 Andrew N. Sharpley A1 Sheri Herron A1 Tommy Daniel YR 2007 UL http://www.jswconline.org/content/62/6/375.abstract AB Continued economic and use impacts of accelerated eutrophication of fresh waters caused by elevated phosphorus (P) inputs is placing pressure on agriculture to implement P-based nutrient management strategies, particularly for confined animal feeding operations. As P-based strategies usually have a negative impact on farm operations and economics, current challenges are to define where there is a problem and how big of a problem, to determine how to implement and maintain effective best management practices (BMPs), and to identify the best incentives for farmer adoption. These challenges need to be overcome to develop equitable solutions among those affected (i.e., farming, municipalities, and public). The 1997 US Census showed poultry operations had a higher confined animal unit density (3.23 AU ha−1 [1.31 AU ac−1]) than either dairy (0.89 AU ha−1 [0.36 AU ac−1]) or swine operations (0.77 AU ha−1 [0.31 AU ac−1]). This coupled with the generally greater (two- to four-fold) concentration of P in poultry manure than in other livestock type manure makes P-based management especially challenging for poultry operations. Furthermore, because the N:P ratio in poultry litter or manure (3:1) is much narrower than plants generally need (8:1), there is an inherent long-term increase in soil P and thus, potential for runoff P enrichment when manure or litter is applied to meet crop N needs. Even so, the short-term impacts of land-applying poultry manure or litter can be successfully mitigated with adoption of P-based BMPs. These include feed (enzymes, crop hybrids), manure (chemical and physical treatment, composting, transportation), land (amendments, conservation tillage, critical area targeting, buffers, soil testing), and grazing management (duration and intensity, stream bank fencing). However, developing and planning BMPs at farm and watershed scales is not the single or final solution. Many farmers simply do not have the financial resources to implement and maintain costly remedial measures. Despite many programs to help defray remedial costs, institutional red-tape and conflicting requirements often limit program enrollment and hinder widespread adoption. Obviously, there are still challenges, but if affected parties work together, there is a better chance these challenges can be overcome.