Animal Waste Management
Animal agriculture is a large segment of the economy in Oklahoma. The huge quantities
of manure generated by animal feeding operations (AFO's) can be an economical source
of plant nutrients and a valuable soil amendment to Improve Soil Quality and Maintain
Soil pH. Thus, manure can be a valuable asset to a livestock production operation
if its nutrients and organic matter are recycled through land application properly.
Manure may cause surface and groundwater pollution if mismanaged. The key to a proper
management is to determine the nutrient content of the manure, the percentages of
those nutrients that are available to crops, and the nutrient requirements of the
crop at a realistic yield goal. These three factors will help you to apply the proper
amount (agronomic rate), but the method and timing of application will ensure the
effectiveness of nutrient you applied. Best management practices (BMPs) will minimize
the impact of manure on the environment.