Skip to main content
Article
Evaluating a Rapid On-Farm Nutrient Determination Model for Use in Implementing Nutrient Management Plans
Water, Air, & Soil Pollution (2006)
  • Stephen F. Higgins, University of Kentucky
  • Mark S. Coyne, University of Kentucky
  • Scott A. Shearer, University of Kentucky
  • John P. Fulton, Auburn University
Abstract

Government regulatory agencies recommend nutrient management plans (NMPs) for animal operations to reduce non-point source pollution. These plans require manure analysis for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP), and use indices to determine nutrient availability. This study evaluated a rapid on-farm method to predict TN and TP concentrations of swine slurries. A field investigation based on this rapid assessment procedure was used to evaluate the effect of a NMP on corn yield and soil fertility. Manure grab samples were collected to validate the rapid on-farm model for predicting TN and TP. A corn crop was raised on two phosphorus (P) soil test levels (medium and excessive) using three randomized complete blocks with two replications of three treatments. Rapid on-farm models were accurate (P ≤ 0.05) for predicting manure TN and TP. The rapid model manure application rate produced grain yields that were significantly higher than inorganic-N fertilization treatments (13,000 kg ha−1 versus 9,000 kg ha−1) (P ≤ 0.05). Potassium chloride extractable soil P and ammonium were not significantly different (P ≥ 0.05) in manure treatments compared with the inorganic-N treatment. Analysis of ear leaf N, P, and K and grain yields demonstrated that the rapid model manure application developed by a NMP met crop requirements.

Keywords
  • Environment,
  • Nutrient,
  • Manure application,
  • Site-specific,
  • Precision agriculture,
  • Swine,
  • Animal feeding operation
Publication Date
April, 2006
Citation Information
Stephen F. Higgins, Mark S. Coyne, Scott A. Shearer and John P. Fulton. "Evaluating a Rapid On-Farm Nutrient Determination Model for Use in Implementing Nutrient Management Plans" Water, Air, & Soil Pollution Vol. 171 Iss. 1-4 (2006)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/markcoyne/41/