Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Animal Science
Publication Type: Literature Review
Publication Acceptance Date: September 30, 2003
Publication Date: November 10, 2004
Citation: Hatfield, J.L. 2004. Nutrient Management: Water Quality/Use. In: W. Pond and A. Bell, editors. Encyclopedia of Animal Science. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. o, 667-669. Technical Abstract: Animals generate a valuable source of nutrients in both organic and inorganic forms. Nutrients in manure can be a valuable soil amendment, however, if misused can be a potential water quality problem. Nutrient management programs must have a positive impact on water quality. The challenge for producers is to understand the nutrient balance in the soil and to reduce the risk of surface runoff of manure. The challenge for science is to increase our understanding of the value of manure in the soil and in the restoration of eroded soils to a higher level of productivity. Improved methods for sampling manure need to determine the nutrient content from individual farms and to develop better methods of manure application that incorporate manure to reduce erosion and enhance the value of manure on soil properties. These changes will benefit livestock and crop producers and the environment.