Type of Document Master's Thesis Author VanDyke, Laura Snively URN etd-39581323973910 Title utrient Management Planning on Virginia Livestock Farms: Impacts and Opportunities for Improvement Degree Master of Science Department Agricultural and Applied Economics Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title Darrell J. Bosch Committee Co-Chair James W. Pease Committee Co-Chair James Baker none Keywords
- nitrogen
- nutrient management
- simulation
- linear programming
- economic returns
Date of Defense 1997-01-31 Availability unrestricted Abstract This study provides an environmental and economic analysis of the ability to
reduce potential nitrogen loadings to water bodies through the implementation of
nutrient management plans on livestock farms. Study results indicate that nutrient
management plans do result in significant reductions while maintaining or
increasing farm income. Nutrient management plans on the four case farms
reduced mean nitrogen losses by 23 to 45 percent per acre while increasing net
farm income from $395 to $7,249.
While reducing excess nitrogen applications with the implementation of nutrient
management plans achieved significant reductions in potential nitrogen losses,
further reductions may be achieved through farm level planning. After achieving
initial reductions through the elimination of excessive nutrient applications,
variation in application rates of organic and inorganic fertilizers across soils may
become important in achieving further reductions in nitrogen loss. Study results
suggest that it may be beneficial to apply higher rates of manure on soils and
slopes less susceptible to nitrogen losses in order to reduce applications
elsewhere. Increased nutrient losses on such fields may be more than offset by
reductions on soils more susceptible to nutrient losses. Linear programming
results for the Shenandoah Valley Dairy show that nitrogen losses could be
reduced up to 44 percent below pre-plan losses with no impact on farm net
economic returns. However, if nitrogen loss restrictions were instituted beyond
this level, the impact on farm income increases significantly. After-plan nitrogen
losses can reduced up to 52 percent, but farm returns decrease by 56 percent.
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