ERIC Number: EJ756044
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 6
Abstractor: Author
Reference Count: 26
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-9053
Balancing the Phosphorus Budget of a Swine Farm: A Case Study
Nelson, Nathan O.; Mikkelsen, Robert L.
Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education, v34 p90-95 2005
Trends in animal production have moved the industry toward large confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). These CAFOs concentrate large amounts of manure-based nutrients in relatively small areas, which increases the risk of nutrient loss to the surrounding environment. In response to water quality concerns, P-based manure application regulations are becoming more common. Mr. Pritchard is the owner and operator of two 4500-head swine ("Sus scrofa") farms located in an area of intensive animal production in North Carolina. He has noticed an increasing trend in the soil P concentrations in his manure application fields and realizes that he does not have enough land to apply his anaerobically treated liquid swine manure based on crop P uptake. Mr. Pritchard is now faced with the dilemma of what to do to slow down the P accumulation in his soil. This case constructs a P budget for Mr. Pritchard's farm to examine ways of balancing on-farm nutrients. Students are encouraged to explore solutions related to animal nutrition, crop production, water quality, soil chemistry, and manure management. Furthermore, students should evaluate the appropriate role of government and industry in assisting Mr. Pritchard to protect the environment while remaining a profitable swine producer.
Descriptors: Industry, Water Quality, Animal Husbandry, Agricultural Production, Distance Education, Soil Science, Chemistry, Science Instruction, Problem Solving, Environmental Education, Government Role
American Society of Agronomy. 677 South Segoe Road, Madison, WI 53711. Tel: 608-273-8080; Fax: 608-273-2021; Web site: http://www.jnrlse.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: North Carolina

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