Reducing whole-farm surpluses of phosphorus and potassium in intensive livestock operations: A case study of dairy farms.

Project: MLMMI 2009-08

Objective

The main objective is to develop whole-farm/whole-system BMPs for farmers to maintain soil phosphorus at environmentally sustainable levels within manure management regulations and, where possible, to reduce potassium surpluses. BMPs will target co-reduction of nutrient imports, improved on-farm nutrient cycling (through manure and feed crops), and enhanced export of excess P to aid farmers in the transition to P-based manure application regulations. The project will also asses the opportunity of application and incorporation of pig manure in dairy farms, which could provide new opportunities for the management of pig manure in areas of the province where dairy and pig operations exist in close proximity. The project will, therefore, contribute to enhanced environmental and economic sustainability of swine operations and dairy operations. The objectives of this project address two MLMMI priority areas: 1.) decreasing P loading and 2.) fate of manure nutrients in cropping systems.

Performer

Dr. Jan C. (Kees) Plaizier
Department of Animal Science
University of Manitoba

Details

Status: Completed
Started: 2010-05-01
Completed: 2012-10-01

Funding Partners: who have contributed to MLMMI in support of this project:
Dairy Farmers of Manitoba - $30,000;
MRAC - $84,000
Manitoba Pork Council - $6,000
Amount Funded: $6,000.00
Performer Funded: $114,000.00
Total Cost: $120,000.00

Activity

Progress Report #1 due November 1, 2010.
Received October 29, 2010.
Progress Report #2 due May 1, 2011.
Progress Report #3 due November 1, 2011.
Final Report due May 1, 2012.

Summary

Many of the dairy farms in this study had surpluses of P and K. These surpluses often end up on land through manure and fertilizer applications. Assessing on-farm P and K status and adopting Best Management Practices (BMPs) will help to reduce P and K surpluses, leading to greater commercial and environmental sustainability and healthier cows for the future.

Documents

Fact Sheet
Progress Report #2
Final Report

Manitoba Pork represents 624 Manitoba hog farms