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Systematic Nutrient (im) Balances in Dairy Farm Systems of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions of the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Quirine M. Ketterings
  • Karl J. Czymmek
  • Douglas B. Beegle
  • Larry E. Chase
  • Caroline N. Rasmussen

Abstract

Many governmental programs that address non-point source pollution from animal feeding operations havefocussed on promoting land-based best management practices (BMPs). Our objectives were to illustrate and quantify nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) balances of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic dairy farms using (1) a hypothetical and representative Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic dairy farm, and (2) three case study dairy farms with animal densities of 1.6 to 2.4 milking cows ha-1. Analyses of N and P balances for the representative farm showed an annual surplus of 258 kg N and 31 kg P2O5 ha-1. For the three case study farms, 65-73% of the N and 41-62% of the P that entered the farm through feed, fertilizer, fixation, animal purchases and/or bedding were not exported in the form of milk, animals or crops, resulting in excesses of 114-248 kg N ha-1 and 37-42 kg P2O5 ha-1. These quantifications suggest that land-based BMPs to address non-point source pollution will fall short of expectations over the long-term because they do not recognize the strategic issues faced by many of today’s dairy farmers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. We conclude that for the long-term sustainability of the dairy industry, a land-based BMP approach should be complimented with whole farm nutrient mass balance assessments and address nutrient source reduction and/or manure treatment and export. The latter requires a change in cropping systems and/or innovative systems to treat the manure to decrease transport costs and/or add economic value.

Suggested Citation

  • Quirine M. Ketterings & Karl J. Czymmek & Douglas B. Beegle & Larry E. Chase & Caroline N. Rasmussen, 2012. "Systematic Nutrient (im) Balances in Dairy Farm Systems of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions of the United States," Journal of Agricultural Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 4(11), pages 1-1, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:jasjnl:v:4:y:2012:i:11:p:1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nevens, F. & Verbruggen, I. & Reheul, D. & Hofman, G., 2006. "Farm gate nitrogen surpluses and nitrogen use efficiency of specialized dairy farms in Flanders: Evolution and future goals," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 88(2-3), pages 142-155, June.
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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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