Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-1 Module 1: Managing Manure for Environmental Protection By Mark Risse and Diana Rashash

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-2 Module Goals:  Understand key environ- mental issues  Recognize principles of good stewardship  Understand why nutrient balance is an important issue and strategies to address it on-farm  Review basic regulatory requirements

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-3 EPA’s Leading Sources of Water Quality Impairment Source: EPA National Water Quality Inventory Report to Congress, 1993

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-4 Sources of N and P to Watersheds in Central U.S. (1995 GAO report to U.S. Congress) Nitrogen Phosphorus Atmos- Fertilizer Manure Point phere Source 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-5 Manure: Good or Bad  Source of pathogens and oxygen-demanding substances that harm water or source of organic matter that improves soil quality  Our largest source of water quality impairment or a source of plant nutrients that can save energy and money  Source of odor and emissions that harm neighbors or a means to reduce carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming.  Your management determines which it is!

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-6 An Environmental Steward: #1 Is aware of farm’s environmental risks. #2 Has NO point source discharges.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-7 An Environmental Steward (continued): #3 Implements a nutrient management plan. #4 Is a good neighbor. #5 Knows the rules.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-8 Manure Has Environmental Benefits Manure Manure contains organic carbon. Organic carbon is key to soil health and structure. Commercial fertilizer

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-9 Environmental Benefits of Manure Increases soil carbon Reduces soil erosion and runoff Reduces nitrogen (N) leaching potential Increases crop productivity Replaces energy-intensive N fertilizer and limited resource phosphorus (P) fertilizer

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-10 Review of Historical Soil Conservation Experiment Data (Risse and Gilley 2000) Manure reduced total runoff by 1%-68%. Manure reduced soil erosion by 13%-77%.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-11 Water Quality Issues Associated with Animal Production

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-12 What are the Primary Water Quality Contaminants in Manure?

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-13 Pollution from Nutrients Nitrogen  Limiting element for plant growth  Highly soluble and mobile in environment  Nitrates are health hazard  Can be transferred through atmosphere

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-14 Pollution from Nutrients (continued) Phosphorus  Often limiting to aquatic plant growth  Less mobile, erosion control important  Tends to buildup in soil

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-15 Pathogens Manure contains organisms that can cause infection or disease. Concern for drinking water Soil is an effective filter for most pathogens. Land application, long- term storage, and com- posting can reduce numbers.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-16 Pathogens (continued) Fecal coliform is indicator measured for water quality. Young stock generally has higher levels of pathogen loads.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-17 Point Source of Pollution  a single identifiable source of pollution, such as a pipe, through which wastewater is discharged into surface waters.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-18 Nonpoint Source Pollution  takes place over a broad area and results in the release of pollutants from many different locations. Runoff and soil erosion are often the driving force for nonpoint source pollution.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-19 What are the Pathways by Which Manure Contaminates Water? Septic Tank Private Well Unsaturated Zone Water Table Sand & Gravel Aquifer Bedrock Manure Storage Precipitation

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-20 What are the Pathways by Which Manure Contaminates Water? 1. Surface runoff Septic Tank Private Well Unsaturated Zone Water Table Sand & Gravel Aquifer Bedrock Manure Storage Precipitation 1

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-21 What are the Pathways by Which Manure Contaminates Water? 1. Surface runoff3. 2. Leaching to groundwater Septic Tank Private Well Unsaturated Zone Water Table Sand & Gravel Aquifer Bedrock Manure Storage Precipitation

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-22 What are the Pathways by Which Manure Contaminates Water? 1. Surface runoff3. Well casings 2. Leaching to groundwater Septic Tank Private Well Unsaturated Zone Water Table Sand & Gravel Aquifer Bedrock Manure Storage Precipitation

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-23 What are the Pathways by Which Manure Contaminates Water? 1. Surface runoff3. Well casings 2. Leaching to groundwater 4. Ammonia deposition 5. Septic Tank Private Well Unsaturated Zone Water Table Sand & Gravel Aquifer Bedrock Manure Storage Precipitation

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-24 What are the Pathways by Which Manure Contaminates Water? 1. Surface runoff3. Well casings 2. Leaching to groundwater 4. Ammonia deposition 5. Macropore flow Septic Tank Private Well Unsaturated Zone Water Table Sand & Gravel Aquifer Bedrock Manure Storage Precipitation

Logo Why the Focus on Nutrients?

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-26 Water Quality Contaminants in Manure PossibleEnvironmental Pollutants Risk What are the top five components of manure that may cause water quality problems?

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-27 Water Quality Contaminants in Manure (continued) 1. Nitrate-NHealth 2. Ammonia-N Fish kills 3. Phosphorus Eutrophication 4. Pathogens Health 5. Organic matter Oxygen depletion PossibleEnvironmental Pollutants Risk

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-28 Manure P vs. Cropland P Use

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-29 Manure P vs. Cropland P Use

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-30 Manure P vs. Cropland P Use

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-31 What is “Whole Farm” Nutrient Balance?

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-32 Nutrient Flows on Livestock Operations Farm Boundary

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-33 Nutrient Inputs Farm Boundary Inputs Feed Animals Irrigation Water Fertilizer Legume N

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-34 Managed Nutrient Outputs Farm Boundary Inputs Managed Outputs Meat & Eggs Crops Manure

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-35 Recycling Of Nutrients Farm Boundary Managed Outputs Feed Manure Inputs

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-36 Losses and Soil Storage Farm Boundary Losses or Soil Storage Managed Outputs Inputs

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-37 Are Inputs and Outputs in Balance? Water in 1 gal. Water out Farm Pond 1 gal.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-38 Are Inputs and Outputs in Balance? Water in 2 gal. 1 gal. Water out Farm Pond

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-39 Water in 2 gal. 1 gal. Water out Farm Pond Are Inputs and Outputs in Balance?

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-40 Are Inputs and Outputs in Balance? Water out Water in 2 gal. Farm Pond 1 gal.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-41 What are Typical Nutrient Balances? Ideally, should be near 1:1; whatever comes in should leave as managed outputs. Most livestock operations have much higher ratios, at times up to 8:1. Farm size is not a good indicator of nutrient balance.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-42 Are Nutrients "Out Of Balance" on My Animal Feeding Operation?

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-43 Indicators of Nutrient Imbalance ______Soil P increasing with time? ______Majority of feed protein and P comes from off-farm sources? ______Feed rations exceed NRC or university recommendations? ______No nutrient management plan for manure? Yes No Indicator

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-44 What are Appropriate Strategies for Managing Nutrient Imbalances?

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-45 “ Plug the Leaks” Approach: Losses Farm Boundary Losses or Soil Storage Does this correct a nutrient Imbalance ?

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-46 “Plug the Leaks” Approach: Losses Farm Boundary Losses or Soil Storage Does this correct a nutrient imbalance ? NO

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-47 Plugging the Leaks... Temporary Solution to Imbalance Water out Water in 2 gal. Farm Pond 1 gal. Sand Bags

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-48 Sustainable Strategy No.1: Credit Manure Nutrients in Crops Efficient use of manure nutrients means not purchasing fertilizer unless it is needed. Nutrient management plans (NMPs) should help ensure this strategy is met. Don’t purchase inputs you don’t need.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-49 Sustainable Strategy No. 2: Reducing Feed Inputs Reducing nutrients fed improves nutrient balance. Try to avoid feeding more N and P than recommended. Much current research on improved feeding strategies Consult with animal scientist.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-50 Sustainable Strategy No. 3: Move Manure Nutrients Off Farm Moving manure off the farm as a product improves nutrient balance. May require changes in treatment and marketing

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-51 Sustainable Strategy No. 3: Move Manure Nutrients Off Farm (Continued) Potential markets:  Compost for organic producers and homeowners  Erosion control  Energy production  Value-added fertilizer

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-52 Sustainable Strategy No. 4: Manure Treatment Changes in treatment methods can improve nutrient balance but con- vert high impact losses to lower impact losses. Treatment lagoons, com- posting, constructed wet- lands, and other methods can reduce N available for land application.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-53 Sustainable Strategy No. 4: Manure Treatment (continued) Solids separation can reduce P in liquid waste streams.

Logo Managing Nutrients with NMPs

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-55 What is an NMP?  NRCS has guidance on comprehensive nutrient management plans (CNMP).  EPA requires NMPs on large farms.  These are similar plans but have slightly different goals.  Your state regulations should distinguish your requirements.

What is an NMP? (continued) Environmental “Operating Plan” for AFO Nutrient plan for “Whole Farm” Environmental record- keeping system EPA requires 5 components 1.Manure handling and storage 2.Land application 3.Site management 4.Record keeping 5.Other utilization

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-57 Air Quality Issues Associated with Animal Production

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-58 Air Emissions from Livestock and Poultry Production  Volatile compounds (160+ gases)  Airborne micro- organisms  Dust (carrier of odors and micro- organisms)

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-59 Impacts of Odors Multiple gases contribute to odor.  Volatile fatty acids  Nitrogen-containing compounds (ammonia, amines, N heterocycles)  Phenols and cresols  Sulfur-containing compounds

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-60 Impacts of Odors (continued) Community nuisance Psychological impact on neighbors (anger, depression, etc.) Physiological impact on neighbors (respiratory problems, nausea, etc.)

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-61 Air Emissions–Hydrogen Sulfide Toxic at high levels (workplace limits set at 10 ppm) Possible chronic health impact from low, long-term exposure (Some states limit property line levels to 0.05 to 0.1 ppm.)

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-62 Air Emissions–Methane and Carbon Dioxide End products of anaerobic and aerobic decomposition of manure Contributors to greenhouse gas effect Net increase in greenhouse gas is probably negligible; manure is part of the carbon cycle.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-63 Air Emissions–Ammonia Large quantities of ammonia are released in many livestock systems. Ammonia is re-deposited. In U.S., largest negative impact is eutrophication of coastal waters.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-64 Federal Regulations  EPA regulates concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) as part of the Clean Water Act of 1972 under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-65 Federal Regulations (continued)  The EPA requires states to meet their rules or lose the ability to permit anything under NPDES.  States may be more stringent.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-66 Definitions Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are agricultural enterprises where animals are kept and raised in confined situations without vegetation more than 45 days.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-67 Definitions (continued) AFOs congregate animals, feed, manure and urine, dead animals, and production operations on a small land area. Feed is brought to the animals. The Federal approach is designed to target large CAFOs.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-68

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-69 EPA Requirements for CAFOs Apply for NPDES permit No discharge to waters of the United States except in extreme events Must develop and implement nutrient management plans to address N and P

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-70 EPA Requirements for CAFOs (continued) Soil and manure testing Buffers/setbacks to water Record keeping and annual report

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-71 Minimum Standards to Protect Water Quality in NPDES Permits for CAFOs 1. Buffers or equivalent practices 2.Divert clean water 3.Prevent direct contact of animals with the waters of the United States 4.Animal mortality 5.Chemical disposal

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-72 Minimum Standards to Protect Water Quality in NPDES Permits for CAFOs (continued) 6. Proper operation and maintenance 7.Record keeping and testing 8.Maintain proper storage capacity 9.Rates and timing of land application of manure and waste water

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-73 Record Keeping Required: EPA requires annual reports  Number of animals  Manure generated  Manure transported  Number of acres land applied  Acres in NMP  Any discharges

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-74 Agencies That Regulate Environmental Issues for Animal Production Federal U.S. EPA (regional office contact information) State (Agency Name) (contact information)

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-75 Agencies That Regulate Environmental Issues for Animal Production (continued) County (Agency Name) (contact information)

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-76 Permit Requirements for Livestock and Poultry Producers FederalYes, NPDES permit is required of all open lot systems only. Proposed change to include all livestock and poultry systems. State(Fill in information specific to your state.) County(Fill in information specific to your county.)

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-77 Take Home Message

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-78 Take Home Message  The EPA lists agriculture as the leading impairment to rivers and streams.  Risk of manure components to water and air is real.  Manure can be a benefit or liability depending on how it is managed.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-79 Take Home Message (continued)  Seven principles of environmental stewardship should guide livestock and poultry producers.  Point vs. nonpoint source pollution, runoff, and erosion are nonpoint sources. Nutrients, pathogens, and organic matter in manure can impact water quality.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-80 Take Home Message (continued) Pathogens are disease-causing organisms. Excess nutrients can cause fish kills, health problems, or algal blooms. An NMP helps you manage nutrients. Increases in soil P indicate excess nutrients.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-81 Take Home Message (continued) Many AFOs exhibit nutrient imbalance. Strategies for improving nutrient balance include more efficient use of manure nutrients, improved feeding programs, marketing manure off the farm, and changing the treatment method. All operations are subject to the Clean Water Act and cannot discharge manure.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-82 Take Home Message (continued) EPA requires large CAFOs to get NPDES and comply with certain Federal standards.

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-83 Thank you

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-84 Sources of N and P To Watersheds in Northeast U.S. (1995 GAO report to U.S. Congress) Atmos- Fertilizer Manure Point phere Source 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Nitrogen Phosphorus

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-85 Sources of N and P To Watersheds in Western U.S. (1995 GAO report to U.S. Congress) Atmos- Fertilizer Manure Point phere Source 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Nitrogen Phosphorus

Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning1-86 Sources of N and P To Watersheds in Southern U.S. (1995 GAO report to U.S. Congress) Atmos- Fertilizer Manure Point phere Source 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Nitrogen Phosphorus