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Project
Impacts
Nutrient Management Planning: In
1993, very few agricultural producers
used nutrient management plans to prevent
over application of manure and commercial
fertilizers. By 1996, 34% of the
poultry and livestock producers had a
nutrient management plan placing 50,000
tons of animal wastes under improved
management. An additional 26% of
the producers have applied for nutrient
management plans and water quality
improvement practice assistance.
Educational efforts and the availability
of cost-shared funds helped producers
understand the importance of nutrient
management planning and the need to
implement best management practices
identified in their plans.
Soil Sampling: More than 90,000
acres of cropland on 900 farms were
tested for nitrogen and phosphorous
levels in soils. Farmers reduced
annual applications of nitrogen by
524,700 pounds and of phosphorous by
265,700 pounds. These excess
nutrients did not enter the ecosystem and
provided a savings of $600,000 to the
farm economy over the last four years.
Nutrient Management Lab: A
laboratory was opened in October of 1994
to assist producers with their nutrient
management planning. This lab
provides a free analysis of manure and
poultry litter. During the last two
years, the lab processed 569 samples,
enabling nutrient management planners to
use specific sample analysis to prepare
site specific plans. Having litter
analyzed will aid in marketing litter
based on nutritive value.
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