Effectiveness of Field Edge Setback of Surface Applied Manure Applications to Reduce Nutrient Loss from Crop Fields during the Winter Season In Northern Ohio.

Large quantities of animal waste are generated in Ohio, and the amount is expected to increase as industry establishes more animal production operations.  The concern over what to do with this waste is increasing as well, especially as farmland continues to be consumed by commercial and residential development.  More crop producers are changing their view and considering this waste to be a valued source of nutrients for crop production.  Recycling animal waste by applying it to crop production fields benefits everyone, with careful management.  Increased concentrations of waste being applied to available acreage, particularly closer to the animal operations, can result in excess nutrients ultimately affecting surface water quality.  As the cost of commercially available fertilizer increases, more animal waste is being applied to crop fields.  Nitrogen and phosphorus are two nutrients commonly considered when applying manure to crop fields, and are a significant non-point source contributor to water quality problems associated with agriculture.  Using no-till as a conservation practice reduces nutrient loss with sediment transport, but can increase the loss of water soluble nutrients due to surface applied manure with no incorporation.  The objective of this research trial was to evaluate the ability 200 ft setback strips (currently recommended as best management practices) to mitigate nutrient transport in a conservation tillage system during spring thaw and throughout the summer months.