Manure is a valuable source of crop-essential nutrients that, when managed carefully, can help build soil organic matter, enhance nutrient cycling, and improve overall soil health and climate resilience over time. In 2022, a statewide on-farm research project was initiated in New York State to quantify the nitrogen (N) replacement value, corn silage or grain yield, and soil health enhancements of various manure sources. Between 2022 and 2023, eleven on-farm field trials were implemented. Yield data are being used to quantify differences in most economic N rate between manured and non-manured strips, and to quantify the yield impact of the manure applications. In 2024, eight additional trials were added using various manure sources. Results so far indicate that manure can offset N fertilizer needs and increase corn silage yield beyond its nutrient contributions, but impacts are field-specific, reflecting differences in field histories and growing conditions. Assessments of soil microbial biomass for sites in 2023 and 2024 reflected the manure history for trial locations and suggest that mid-season assessments may help identify where nitrogen fertilizer addition is beneficial for the crop and where not. Assessment of variability of different manure sources point to the importance of manure sampling and analyses. Preliminary results will be shared. This presentation was originally broadcast on October 18, 2024. Continue reading “Managing Dairy Manure for Increased Soil Health and Forage Production Sustainability”
The Role of Agriculture in Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition: Sources, Impacts, and Management
Agriculture is the largest source of ammonia emissions and contributes to nitrogen deposition which can impact ecosystem health. This webinar introduces the topic of nitrogen deposition and provides an overview of the role of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) in determining nitrogen deposition sources. In addition, the speakers provide an overview of a region being impacted by agriculture related nitrogen deposition and discusses agricultural management practices that may reduce ammonia emissions and nitrogen deposition. This presentation was originally broadcast on September 20, 2024. Continue reading “The Role of Agriculture in Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition: Sources, Impacts, and Management”
Fifty Years of Environmental Progress for US Dairy Farms
Many changes have occurred in the technology, management, and resulting productivity and environmental impacts of United States dairy farms over the past 50 years. Based on research recently published in the Journal of Dairy Science, Dr. Al Rotz will discuss how changes in production have impacted 13 environmental metrics and where improvements can still be made in the future. This presentation was originally broadcast on August 16, 2024. Continue reading “Fifty Years of Environmental Progress for US Dairy Farms”
Call for Abstracts for Waste-to-Worth 2025
You are invited to participate!
The Waste to Worth Conference will be April 7-11, 2025 at the Grove Hotel in Boise, Idaho.
Waste to Worth 2025 welcomes oral, poster, panel, and workshop presentation proposals focused on applied solutions related to animal manure management and protecting the environment.
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- Submissions should align with one or more of the general areas of emphasis (see below).
- Graduate students are encouraged to submit and participate in a poster presentation competition.
To submit an abstract, go to https://tinyurl.com/W2W2025
For more information, go to: https://wastetoworth.org or the W2W Call for Abstracts flyer.
Deadline is October 30, 2024
Areas of Emphasis
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- Circular Bioeconomy
- Biosecurity
- Feed & Nutrient Management
- Manure, Soil Health & Sustainability
- Emerging Contaminants
- Manure Storage, Treatment, Handling & Application Systems
- Robotics & Artificial Intelligence in Animal Production Systems
- Value-Added Products from Agricultural Production Systems
- Climate Impacts & Adaptation/Mitigation Measures
- Air Quality, Emissions & Fate
- Educational Programming & Delivery
- Environmental Planning & Regulations in Animal Agriculture
- Case Studies/On-Farm Experience
- Mortality Management
- Sustainable Animal Systems
- New & Innovative Technology
- Water Quality
Who attends?
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- Extension agents & specialists
- Progressive farmers & producers
- NRCS staff
- Consultants & technical experts
- Regulatory & policy advisors
- Scientists
- Technology providers
Staying in the Loop: Circularity in Integrated Crop and Livestock Production
Have you heard or read about circularity and the circular economy? These buzzwords describe sustainability concepts that are being adopted in many sectors, including food animal production. This webinar shares definitions for these concepts and how they can inform thinking about changes to animal systems and manure management. This presentation was originally broadcast on June 21, 2024. Continue reading “Staying in the Loop: Circularity in Integrated Crop and Livestock Production”
Precision Ag In the Barn and In the Pasture
This webinar shares updates on approaches to precision agriculture for animal management, welfare and productivity, and how these applications influence nutrient management. This presentation was originally broadcast on May 17, 2024. Continue reading “Precision Ag In the Barn and In the Pasture”
Optimizing Agricultural Practices: Balancing Manure Use and Minimizing Compaction
This webinar discusses why compaction is a cropping challenge, considers how the application of manure can lead to it, and the effects of manure on soil resiliency. This presentation was originally broadcast on April 19, 2024. Continue reading “Optimizing Agricultural Practices: Balancing Manure Use and Minimizing Compaction”
Implications of Managing Manure on a Nitrogen Basis
Meeting crop nitrogen needs with manure while overapplying other nutrients can save the crop farmer the cost of additional fertilizer, but every decision on a farm has consequences. This webinar discusses using whole farm and field-based nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) balances to identify opportunities for improvements in nutrient use and monitor the impact of management changes over time, the time necessary to reduce the soil phosphorus levels, and the issues with zinc accumulation in soils. This presentation was originally broadcast on March 15, 2024. Continue reading “Implications of Managing Manure on a Nitrogen Basis”
Upcoming Models and Tools to Improve Manure Management
Responsible manure management uses multiple data types from a wide range of sources. This webinar highlights three new tools that aim to ease this burden while supporting effective decision-making. ManureDB aggregates U.S. manure analysis data and provides user-specified reports of manure characteristics. ManureTech synthesizes the environmental, economic and operational facets of manure treatment technologies. Manure Management Planner is a trusted tool but has also undergone recent updates for site-specific setback distances. Participants will be able to see these tools in action, and where further developments are headed. This presentation was originally broadcast on February 16, 2024. Continue reading “Upcoming Models and Tools to Improve Manure Management”
Animal Feeding Operations Air Emission Estimation Methods
To be sustainable, producers need to conserve energy while still maintaining or improving their facilities and the lives of the animals they house. This presentation was originally broadcast on January 19, 2024. Continue reading “Animal Feeding Operations Air Emission Estimation Methods”