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Nitrogen Loading Conclusion • The current farming operation is adequate to consume all the nitrogen contained in the liquids _ generated at the site. • As indicated in the calculations above,the remaining nitrogen that will be in liquids after storage losses in the flush lagoon and irrigation pond are fewer than the calculated nitrogen demand from the proposed farming acreage. • Considering that the field nitrogen requirements are almost met by the nitrogen in the liquids, it is critical that soil samples be analyzed for nutrient requirements prior to applications of liquids or soils. • The nitrogen balancing calculations indicate that the majority of the solids should be processed prior to applications to fields or used for freestatl bedding or removed from the site. • Considering that the ability to slow the leaching of nitrates through the soil profile, the application of organic materials to build the water holding capacity and filth of the soils at the site is necessary. T}ds posses_a challenge to the agrono�Manag Atent of_this operation. • Composting of the manure solids will condition the solids prior to application to the farm. • Composting converts an organic waste material into a stable organic product by converting nitrogen from the unstable ammonia form to a more stable organic form. The end result is a product that is safer to use than raw organic material. • Composting can reduce the nitrate content of the solids due to anaerobic bacterial activity. Anaerobic activity will cause denitification of nitrate to convert the nitrates to the gaseous form as nitrous oxide or nitrogen gas during the composting process. This gas then escapes into the atmosphere. Considering that composting is an aerobic activity, anaerobic activity can be controlled by simply turning the material to aerate it at the proper time which is the point at which aerobic bacterial activity has consumed all the available oxygen with in the mix. • Manure is more carbonaceous than commercial fertilizer and carbon is a common energy source to bacteria. Consequently, some denitification will also take place in the soil naturally. • Compost is used primarily as a fertilizer supplement and soil conditioner. Compost improves soil structure and fertility. Nutrients in finished compost will be slowly released over a period of years, thus minimizing the risk of nitrate leaching and high nutrient concentrations in surface runoff. • A balanced liquids/solids application rates are favorable to the agronomical management of the soil because of the soil requiring organic materials to increase tilth,water intake rate, water retention capabilities and consequently, nitrate retention capability. Due to the fact that there appears to be enough nutrients in the liquid form, it is recommended that a well-documented monitoring system be implemented: • Soils should be tested for organic matter and estimated nitrogen release from organic matter for consideration prior to applications of more nutrients. Nutrient laden water needs to be tested with"field kits" to determine the amount of nitrogen it contains. This information is required to make a calculated application ratio of clear irrigation water with nutrient laden lagoon water. • Manure solids should be composted to reduce the total available nitrogen and stabilize the nitrogen to a more stable organic form. • It is important to apply nutrients through out the growing season as the crop requires it. • The lagoon water needs to be managed in such a fashion that the irrigation pond is empty prior to the winter rainfall season,yet not applying nutrients to the crops when they are not needed. • Over irrigation needs to be at a minimum for nitrates can be pushed through the soil profile due to the low water holding capacity of the farms' soils. If more farming property that can receive liquids is incorporated into the operation, more of the solids can be used on site. ®Western Design/David Avila 2000 22