Greg Brenneman, Ag Engineering Field Specialist, Southeast
Problem Statement
With changes in Iowa regulations implementing the Iowa P index for manure management plans, producers have requested assistance with understanding, calculating, and implementing the P index into manure management plans.
Programmatic Response
Information on the P-index was included as a part of the Manure Applicator Certification Program. In the past year I assisted 43 producers in filling out the IDNR Manure Management Plan forms. For a number of producers this included calculations of the P-Index for their fields. By working with the producers in filling out the MMP forms, I was able to help them understand how the manure application rates were being calculated, the nitrogen availability in the manure based on plot trials in SE Iowa, and how the necessary record keeping with the plans.
Impact/Outcome
In working with the 43 producers, over 20,000 acres were impacted by the manure management plans. Total value of the crop nutrients being applied in the manure exceeds $1,000,000. By improving nitrogen utilization practices through better manure management planning, these producers saved over $100,000 in reduced fertilizer costs.
March 15, 2006
103 - Nutrient Management
Page last updated:
July 8, 2006
Page maintained by Linda Schultz, lschultz@iastate.edu
