Project Number: 6226-12130-003-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Apr 03, 2000
End Date: Apr 02, 2005

Objective:
1)Determine factors that affect phosphorus chemistry and transport in soil, water, and manure; 2) determine long-term impact of manure management strategies on soil, water, and air resources; 3) develop best management practices to reduce non-point source phosphorus runoff; 4) determine factors that influence surface water runoff within watersheds; and 5) develop predictive tools to identify critical hydrologic areas of nutrient loss within watersheds.

Approach:
Rainfall simulations will be conducted on small plots in tall fescue in order to develop a phosphorus index (P.I.) for pastures. The treatments to be studied include the effects of soil test P in litter application rates, soluble P in litter, level of P in diets, type of P fertilizer and timing. Multiple regression analysis will then be used to model P runoff from these variables. The results will then be validated on six farms located in the Eucha/Spavinaw watershed. Research on developing and testing new best management practices (BMPs), such as treating manure with alum to precipitate P, will also continue. Studies will be conducted to determine if alum used in conjunction with diet modification can further lower P runoff. Long-term studies initiated in 1995 on the effects of normal poultry litter, alum-treated litter, and ammonium nitrate will continue. A liquid alum delivery system is being constructed and will be tested in a commercial high-rise laying hen house to control ammonia levels in these houses.

Project Team

Moore, Philip Haggard, Brian Donoghue, Ann - Annie

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001   FY 2000

Related National Programs

Manure and Byproduct Utilization (206)

Related Projects

Evaluation and Management of Ammonia Emissions from Poultry Litter    Pelleting Poultry Litter and Environmental Consequences