Best Management Practice Demonstration Horse Farm

Best Management Practice Demonstration Horse Farm

Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan

Introduction

CNMP purpose and conditions:

Nutrient management and waste utilization means managing the source, rate, form, timing, placement, and utilization of manure, rather than just disposing of it as a waste residual. The GOAL is to effectively and efficiently use nutrient resources derived from animal waste to adequately supply soils and plants to produce food, forage, fiber, and cover while minimizing environmental impacts.

The CNMP is a component of the Resource Management System for the farm. It is used in conjunction with crop rotations, residue management, pest management, conservation buffers, and other practices needed on a site-specific basis.

Nitrogen and phosphorus issues with water quality

Nitrogen and phosphorus are the two nutrients that are managed in order to protect surface and ground water quality.

• Nitrogen leaching out of the root zone can enter subsurface drains and be transported directly to surface waters or leach to ground water. Nitrate above 10 parts per million in water is a health and environmental risk.
• Phosphorus entering surface waters leads to accelerated weed and algae growth causing depressed oxygen levels in the water that impairs aquatic life and can cause odors or bad taste. The CNMP is designed to minimize the transport of nitrogen and phosphorus to surface waters.

Goals and Objectives

• Maximize nutrient management for the cropland
• Control manure runoff from cropland fields
• Control soil erosion
• Improve pest management (weeds, insects, disease) related to crop production

Overview of Operation

• Agricultural animals on the farm include: horses, dairy heifers, goats, sheep, pigs, and deer.
• 150 animal units
• 1,500 tons of manure annually
• 80 acres pastureland
• 50 acres cropland

Crop Management

Corn Silage

• 50 acres
• Chisel plow, disc, plant
• Genetically Modified Organism or GMO seeds used to aid in weed control
• Permanent grass buffer strips to control erosion and run-off
• Contour planting – crop is planted perpendicular to slope of the fields
• Winter cover crop of rye to control erosion and run-off
• Annual soil analysis
• Lime is applied when necessary to maintain soil pH (6.7–6.8)

Pasture

• Rotational grazing where feasible
• Maintained as grass pasture to aid in weed control
• Fertilized with ammonium nitrate to supply Nitrogen
• Routine mowing to aid in weed control
• Semi-annual soil analysis
• Lime is applied when necessary to maintain soil pH (6.7-6.8)