Nutrient Management

Discover educational resources on agricultural water and nutrient management by Penn State Extension experts. Find information on the effects of feed management on watersheds, sewage sludge regulations, and phosphorus management. Tips on water quality guidelines for turfgrass sites are also available.

Livestock Nutrient Management and Water Quality

Water is an essential nutrient for livestock. Providing animals with easy access to good quality water is critical for maintaining production. Testing livestock drinking water is one of the most effective means of diagnosing problems related to water quality. Regular water testing can help prevent loss of productivity and profitability.

In general, water quality for livestock can be affected by various contaminants. In dairy cattle, most water-related concerns are caused by aesthetic pollutants like iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide. These contaminants cause odors and tastes that often lead to reduced water intake and milk production. High concentrations of other pollutants, such as nitrates and heavy metals, can further lead to infertility, foot rot, and other health issues in dairy herds.

Intensive livestock production has an effect on water quality, as well. In many areas where manure is applied to balance crop nitrogen requirements exactly, phosphorus is applied in excess. While phosphorus is vital for animal growth, it can also accelerate eutrophication and limit water use for drinking, industry, and recreation.

Join Penn State Extension’s feed management effects webinar to learn more about balancing phosphorus levels in dairy and beef rations. In addition, discover how coupling feed management with no-till and cropping strategies can improve soil health and benefit water quality.

Nutrient Management and Water Quality in Crop Production

A sufficient supply of nutrients, including water for irrigation, is an invaluable part of successful crop production. The quality of water used in greenhouse production is determinant for both plant growth and pesticide efficacy. Follow the water quality checklist to ensure crop irrigation and sprayer water is of adequate quality.

Certain activities, like large-scale farming, can cause nutrients to drain away with runoff. Many of these nutrients, especially phosphorus, contribute significantly to eutrophication. What’s more, in areas with concentrated animal operations, continual manure application increases the potential for phosphorus enrichment of surface runoff and nitrogen leaching to groundwaters.

Implementing nutrient and manure management strategies – as well as enhancing soil health – is essential for achieving optimal yield and protecting the quality of water resources. Additional treatments, such as using biochar, can help reduce runoff and nitrogen leaching.

Find Resources on Nutrient Management and Agricultural Water

Penn State Extension offers an array of educational resources – including webinars and publications – on ensuring good water quality and preventing nutrient water pollution.

Information is available on estimating manure application rates, interpreting irrigation water test results, understanding sewage sludge regulations, and improving water quality by planting biomass crops.

Crop producers can also benefit from the Fertilizer Forecast tool. The tool combines weather forecasting, digital soil maps, and runoff hydrology models to protect water quality by optimizing the timing of fertilizer and manure application.