search our site     home > key topics   natural resources, environment, & conservation Connections among farming practices, conservation, and the environment are increasingly complex, and increasingly important components in U.S. farm policy. ERS examines the economic factors that affect resource use (land, water and biological resources) and estimates costs and benefits to farmers, consumers, and the government of meeting conservation and environmental goals. related subtopics - provide a listing of resources related to subtopics of natural resources, environment, & conservation. Global Climate Change Global Resources & Environmental Issues Irrigation & Water Use Land Use Landownership & Tenure Manure Management Organic Agriculture & Production Rural Amenities & Urbanization Soil Conservation Water Quality Wetlands Wildlife related briefing rooms - offer an indepth discussion synthesizing ERS research Ag Chemicals and Production Technology Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) Conservation and Environmental Policy Global Climate Change Invasive Species Management Irrigation and Water Use Land Use, Value and Management Organic Farming and Marketing feature Managing Manure: New Clean Water Act Regulations Create Imperative for Livestock Producers—Nutrients from livestock and poultry manure are key sources of water pollution. Ever-growing numbers of livestock and poultry per farm and per acre have increased the risk of water pollution, with manure being disposed of in ways not adequately addressed in the original 1972 regulations. The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA signed new regulations on December 15, 2002 that would compel operations with the largest number of animals to manage their manure according to a nutrient management plan. Amber Waves (2/03). web administration: webadmin@ers.usda.gov updated: March 4, 2003  Also at ERS... latest publications (all) • ARMS Update Newsletter • Emphasis Shifts in US Agri-environmental Policy • Amber Waves, September 2003 latest data products (all) • Crop Production Practices • Organic Wholesale Prices • Organic Production resources • Contact an ERS Expert • Calendar of Releases services • Receive E-mail Updates • E-mail This Page • Translate This Page

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