NRCS Releases National Study on Nutrients Available from Livestock Manure for Crop Growth

WASHINGTON, March 10, 1998 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced the availability of a study that provides county-by-county data on nutrients available from livestock manure relative to crop growth requirements.

The analysis provides information about the relationship between the nutrients available in manure and the nutrients a crop could use. It reflects potential rather than actual nutrient use. Neither soil test nutrient information nor actual manure use characteristics were part of the analysis.

Maps and tables in the study show, by county, potential nitrogen and phosphorus available from confined livestock operations relative to potential uptake for crop production.

The analysis includes the 3,079 counties in the 48 contiguous states. The analysis shows that 485 counties have more manure phosphorus production than non-legume crops and hay could use. This narrows to 107 counties when legume crops and pasture are added.

Regarding nitrogen, the analysis shows that 266 counties have more manure nitrogen production that non-legume crops and hay could use. This narrows to 35 counties when legume crops and pasture are added.

The study is based upon the 1992 Census of Agriculture--the most recent information available. It will be upgraded when information from the 1997 Census of Agriculture becomes available.

The study, "Nutrients Available From Livestock Manure Relative to Crop Growth Requirements," was commissioned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is available on the Internet. Access the NRCS Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/land/pubs/nlweb.html. Single copies are available from NRCS at (202) 720-8644.

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