Manure Nutrient Content Research Articles

5260656 Method for improving the resolution of solid-state NMR multiple-pulse imaging systems

A quantitative knowledge of P cycling in dairy farms during a production cycle is the basis for optimizing fertilizer P management, because utilization of P by farm animals and its transfer to barn products are incomplete; animal manure represents a valuable source of P to sustain crop requirements. The nutrient content of manure is always difficult to determine precisely, because of the variability and fluctuation in daily water content and composition. Estimates of the P content of each material that moves to, from and within a dairy farm located in Lombardy were determined for one year by collecting farm data, sampling and analyzing farm materials (feeds, beddings, milk, hays and silage, etc.) and estimating through model calculation P retained in animals and in farm wastes. Two subcycles were investigated: the barn subcycle and the soil-crop subcycle, connected together by wastes, grasses and corn silage. The overall P balance in the farm studied with total stocking of 1.1 t of liveweight/ha, indicated a high manure potential for crop-needs that excludes use of inorganic P fertilizers. Moreover, detailed analysis of the various P pools has shown the relative contribution of each component to P cycling at the farm.

Effect of Drying on the Plant Nutrient Content of Hen Manure

Effect of Drying on the Plant Nutrient Content of Hen Manure

Sustainable Commercial Vegetable Production with Minimal Use of Synthetic Fertilizers and Pesticides

Sustainable production systems are characterized as systems that can be physically and biologically maintained in perpetuity, can avoid adverse environmental and health problems, and can be economically profitable. Organic vegetable production systems are one example of sustainable farming enterprises. In California, organic production and postharvest handling techniques are closely defined by legislation. Of the several grower groups representing organic farmers in the state, the California Certified Organic Farmers is the largest, representing 382 growers that farmed a total area of 10,375 ha in 1988. Of these, 200 growers are vegetable producers. Another organization active among organic growers in California, as well as Mexico, Central American countries, and the Caribbean, is the Organic Crop Improvement Association. Marketing organizations such as the Nutri-Clean Program, which tests produce for pesticide residues and certifies specific residue standards, and the Organic Market News and Information Service facilitate the sale of organic produce in California. Cultural practice information for organic vegetable production is difficult to find, particularly techniques that would allow a grower to switch from conventional to organic production. University researchers and extension workers have so far been of little help, although the Univ. of California Sustainability Program at Davis is beginning research and education activities. Funding for these activities is inadequate, and the program is understaffed. There is need for long-term, interdisciplinary, on-farm studies to study organic production techniques in a realistic setting. At present, the reward system in place in land-grant institutions offers little encouragement to researchers to engage in this kind of work. There are formidable obstacles to increasing the use of organic materials for crop fertilization. The nutrient content of the state's manure and organic waste supplies is probably insufficient to meet the fertility needs of California's crops. In addition, since the majority of land currently producing vegetable crops in California is leased, long-term soil fertility investments are a risky undertaking.

Sustainable Commercial Vegetable Production with Minimal Use of Synthetic Fertilizers and Pesticides: A Postlude

Sustainable production systems are characterized as systems that can be physically and biologically main- tained in perpetuity, can avoid adverse environmental and health problems, and can be economically profitable. Organic vegetable production systems are one example of sustainable farming enterprises. In California, organic production and postharvest handling techniques are closely defined by legislation. Of the several grower groups representing organic farmers in the state, the California Certified Organic Farmers is the largest, representing 382 growers that farmed a total area of 10,375 ha in 1988. Of these, 200 growers are vegetable producers. Another organization active among organic growers in California, as well as Mexico, Central American countries, and the Caribbean, is the Organic Crop Improvement Association. Marketing organizations such as the Nutri-Clean Program, which tests produce for pesticide residues and certifies specific residue standards, and the Organic Market News and Information Service facilitate the sale of organic produce in California. Cultural practice information for organic vegetable production is difficult to find, particularly techniques that would allow a grower to switch from conventional to organic production. University researchers and extension workers have so far been of little help, although the Univ. of California Sus- tainability Program at Davis is beginning research and education activities. Funding for these activities is inadequate, and the program is understaffed. There is need for long-term, interdisciplinary, on-farm studies to study organic production techniques in a realistic setting. At present, the reward system in place in land-grant institutions offers little encouragement to researchers to engage in this kind of work. There are formidable obstacles to increasing the use of organic materials for crop fertilization. The nutrient content of the state's manure and organic waste supplies is probably insufficient to meet the fertility needs of California's crops. In addition, since the majority of land currently producing vegetable crops in California is leased, long-term soil fertility investments are a risky undertaking.