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”

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”

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”