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Coordinating Regional Efforts Involving Manure Management in Reduced Tillage and Pasture Systems
Dr. Jennifer Becker is the PI. The purpose is to coordinate evaluation and recommendation of the use of different reduced tillage manure application technologies to reduce nitrogen losses (N) and conserve soil for different farm, soil and manure types in the Mid-Atlantic region. The use of reduced or no-till systems is a recognized best management practice (BMP) to minimize the loss of sediment in agricultural runoff. However, surface application of manure can lead to the accumulation of excessive levels of phosphorus (P) and loss of ammonia, which increases the need for N fertilizers and negatively impacts air quality.
The use of minimum tillage applicators and injectors to optimize soil conservation and minimize nutrient losses is being evaluated by several groups in the Mid-Atlantic region. However, there is a need to synthesize the findings of these different studies and coordinate the recommendations and educational efforts that result from these studies. This project, which is being undertaken in collaboration with Rory Maguire (Virginia Tech), Doug Beegle (The Pennsylvania State University), Joshua McGrath (University of Maryland), Greg Binford (University of Delaware), and Tom Basden (West Virginia University) will accomplish the following objectives: (1) identify technologies being used in the mid-Atlantic region to incorporate manure while maintaining the benefits of no-till production and identify studies being conducted in the mid-Atlantic region to evaluate these technologies; (2) identify existing manure injection/reduced tillage programs that have developed useful resources and/or have successfully produced water quality improvements through their efforts; (3) conduct regional workshops for identified stakeholders (scientists, extension agents, regulatory agency personnel, practitioners).
These workshops will discuss best technologies and encourage their implementation across the mid-Atlantic region. This extension project is funded by a grant from the USDA/Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) Mid-Atlantic Regional Water Quality Program. The impacts will be BMPs for the management of manure in reduced and no-till systems will be made along with recommendations for increased implementation of these BMPs.
For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer Becker
Last updated: 04/8/2009
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