ABE researchers are focusing on ways to make farming both cost-effective and environment friendly. One aspect of this research in sustainable agriculture explores the use of swine manure as fertilizer and its effect on the soil and groundwater quality.

“This research is very important to states heavily involved in the animal production systems,” stresses ABE Professor Ramesh Kanwar, who coordinates the research project.

Used in correct proportion, swine manure, which is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, provides ideal nutrients for the soil. Improper application, however, can result in reduced productivity and potential contamination of surface and groundwater sources.

With these environmental issues in mind, Kanwar and several of his colleagues in ABE are developing manure management systems on farms near Ames and in northeast Iowa that monitor the rate, timing, and method of manure application on crops. They have devised special manure applicators that measure the impact of “injecting” versus “broadcasting” liquid swine manure on soil and water sources.

Results of this ongoing project reveal that a soil test-based nitrogen application reduces the risk of leaching to groundwater as opposed to continuous manure application. Swine manure management systems, in other words, guide farmers in regulating the amount, method, and time of application to produce higher yield with less potential for water contamination.