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Nitrogen Loading Conclusion, Phase I • The current farming operation is adequate to consume all the nitrogen contained in the liquids generated at the site if agronomical procedures and application practices are followed based on double cropping farmed fields. • As indicated in the calculations, 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 freestall 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 tilth of the soils at the site is necessary. These posses a challenge to the agronomic management of this operation. • Composting of the manure solids will condition the solids prior to application to the farm. 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 at which aerobic bacterial activity has consumed all the available oxygen with in the mix. 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. • 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. • 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. 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. • 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. Refer to page 24 for Endnotes and Reference Sources Nitrate Loading Study Property Name and Address: Frank Faria Dairy, Inc. 12182 S. Robinson Road, Escalon,CA 95320 Page 11 'Western Design/David Avila 2001 Mass Balance of Nitrogen Loading IXE