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Bow River phosphorus management plan : agricultural phosphorus beneficial management practices

Description

This publication outlines beneficial management practices to reduce the risk of phosphorus loss to the environment from agricultural production. It was written to support the Bow River Phosphorus... More ≫

Description

This publication outlines beneficial management practices to reduce the risk of phosphorus loss to the environment from agricultural production. It was written to support the Bow River Phosphorus Management Plan and focuses beneficial management practices in rural or agricultural settings.

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Manure spreading regulations : manure incorporation

Description

The Standards and Administration Regulation under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act was amended in December 2020 to clarify that the requirement for incorporation within 48 hours is... More ≫

Description

The Standards and Administration Regulation under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act was amended in December 2020 to clarify that the requirement for incorporation within 48 hours is measured from when the manure is first applied, unless that incorporation "would be impracticable." This factsheet is supplemental to the Manure Spreading Regulations factsheet and explains what is meant by "impracticable."

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Manure spreading regulations

Description

The Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) includes regulations for spreading manure or compost for all livestock operations in Alberta. The manure spreading regulations include requirements... More ≫

Description

The Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) includes regulations for spreading manure or compost for all livestock operations in Alberta. The manure spreading regulations include requirements for manure incorporation, soil nitrogen and salinity limits, setback distances, record keeping and soil testing. The term manure in this publication includes the livestock excreta, straw, other bedding material, litter, soil, wash water and feed in the manure. Composted manure has the same requirements as manure. Terms used in this publication have been simplified to make it easier to read. Complete definitions are found in Section 1 of the legislation.

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Beneficial management practices : an introduction to phosphorus

Description

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for crop growth. Alberta soils are generally deficient or low in phosphorus for optimum crop production (<60 ppm). Successful crop production requires the... More ≫

Description

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for crop growth. Alberta soils are generally deficient or low in phosphorus for optimum crop production (<60 ppm). Successful crop production requires the addition of phosphorus in the form of fertilizer or manure. However, the loss of phosphorus from the landscape can negatively impact water quality. Phosphorus can move with eroded soil or be dissolved in runoff water and carried to nearby surface water bodies. Too much phosphorus in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams can speed up aquatic plant and algae growth. This process is called eutrophication, which can lead to oxygen depletion, release of toxins, degraded water quality, fish deaths and odours. When Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) are used in the management of phosphorus, losses are minimized and crops receive maximum benefit.

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Livestock manure impact on groundwater quality in Alberta : 2008-2015

Description

This brochure provides an overview of a seven-year study implemented by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and partners to determine the potential risks of intensive livestock production to... More ≫

Description

This brochure provides an overview of a seven-year study implemented by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and partners to determine the potential risks of intensive livestock production to groundwater quality in Alberta.

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Nutrient management on intensively managed pastures

Description

Pastures are unique to agricultural production systems in that only a very small portion of the nutrients required for crop production are removed from the system. Up to 90 per cent of the... More ≫

Description

Pastures are unique to agricultural production systems in that only a very small portion of the nutrients required for crop production are removed from the system. Up to 90 per cent of the nutrients ingested by grazing animals are returned to the land in manure (excreta), which is comprised of urine and dung. The rest is utilized in animal maintenance and growth or milk production. Nutrient cycling is faster on grazed than ungrazed grassland because most of the nutrients in manure have been converted from organic (plant material) to inorganic, plant-available forms during the digestive process.

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Managing livestock manure

Description

If proper manure management practices are followed, animal wastes can be utilized as a valuable nutrient resource rather than treated as a waste. Manure is an excellent “organic” fertilizer... More ≫

Description

If proper manure management practices are followed, animal wastes can be utilized as a valuable nutrient resource rather than treated as a waste. Manure is an excellent “organic” fertilizer containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and many other essential nutrients. Manure can physically benefit the soil. It adds organic matter to the soil, which improves soil tilth and structure. Because manure is “organic,” there is a perception that manure cannot be harmful to soils or the environment. There is no question that adding modest amounts of manure to soil is very beneficial. However, too much of a good thing over time could lead to problems.

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Use of fertilizers, manures and pesticides for sustainable farm management

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Optimum crop production depends on inputs of commercial fertilizer and herbicides. Today's technology-based agricultural practices have had a huge effect on increased food production across the... More ≫

Description

Optimum crop production depends on inputs of commercial fertilizer and herbicides. Today's technology-based agricultural practices have had a huge effect on increased food production across the prairies. Generally, the economic effects of increased production have been very positive; however, the ecological effects are not always as positive.

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Sampling solid manure for analysis

Description

Solid manure and compost are excellent sources of nutrients for annual and perennial crop production. To determine an appropriate manure application rate to meet crop requirements, optimize crop... More ≫

Description

Solid manure and compost are excellent sources of nutrients for annual and perennial crop production. To determine an appropriate manure application rate to meet crop requirements, optimize crop yields and minimize environmental impact, it is essential to know the nutrient content of the manure being applied.

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Liquid manure injection systems : performance evaluation

Description

When selecting manure injection technology, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each system being considered. Several conclusions were shown in the study: High-disturbance injection... More ≫

Description

When selecting manure injection technology, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each system being considered. Several conclusions were shown in the study: High-disturbance injection technology controls odour, but results in a lot of residue and soil disturbance. Low-disturbance injection technology provides minimal residue and soil disturbance, but does not control odour as well as high-disturbance injection equipment (although all produced acceptable results). All technologies provide acceptable nutrient placement. A producer’s individual situation should dictate which system to use. For example, a producer practicing direct seeding may choose low-disturbance injection while a producer practicing tillage may choose high-disturbance injection.

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