Aquatic Pollution and Coastal Management

Unit 3 : Agricultural wastes and eutrophication

3.1.Nutrient content in agricultural wastes
In addition to meat, livestock and poultry operations produce another valuable commodity—manure. Manure is a by-product containing many plant nutrients and organic matter. Animal manure can be an asset rather than a liability for producers when effectively managed and properly used on field crops. Besides providing valuable macro- and micronutrients to the soil, manure supplies organic matter to improve the soil’s physical and chemical properties. It also increases infiltration of water and enhances retention of nutrients, reduces wind and water erosion, and promotes growth of beneficial organisms. Each year in Oklahoma, an estimated 10 million tons of waste produced by animals in confinement is available for use as fertilizer. This translates into tens of millions of pounds of plant nutrients and organic matter available to enrich our soil. The key to capturing the benefits of this resource is good nutrient management.