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ARKANSAS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION. Randy Young, PE Executive Director. The Problem. Water Quality Nutrient runoff – the primary concern is with Phosphorous. Phosphorous. Pros Essential element for plant and animal life Not considered a human health issue. Cons
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ARKANSAS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Randy Young, PE Executive Director
The Problem • Water Quality • Nutrient runoff – the primary concern is with Phosphorous
Phosphorous Pros Essential element for plant and animal life Not considered a human health issue Cons Can accumulate in and degrade the quality of freshwater streams and lakes- Eutrophication
Eutrophication Accelerated aging Excessive plant growth P usually limiting factor • Results • “off flavor” drinking water • Lower oxygen levels • Reduction in aquatic populations
Phosphorous Sources of concern Chemical Fertilizer Dry Manure Wet Manure
Most Common Sources Nutrients Commercial fertilizer- can be mixed to any ratio; but can be expensive. Poultry Litter– excellent sources of the essential Nutrients and provides an organic material that acts as a soil amendment; but can not be used if soil test phosphorous is high.
Solving the Problem • Requiring Nutrient Management Plans • Requiring qualified personal to apply Nutrients • Development of a protective rate of application • Identifying areas of concern • Development of a Phosphorous Index (P-Index)
Arkansas P-Index (P Index = Source x Transport x Precipitation x BMP) • Developed By State Team • ANRC • NRCS • USDA • UA. Div. of Ag • ADEQ Based on • Runoff Plot Research • RUSLE • Soil Characteristics • Historical runoff information • Professional judgment
Arkansas P-Index What it does • Evaluates P runoff risk • Greater values = greater risk • Establishes risk ranges • Permits “what if” Planning • provides management options • Makes planning a decision making process • Lets landowner adjust management.
Nutrient Management Plan NMP Development and contents of a plan • Collecting information- on farm visit • Operation photo’s and maps • Soils and litter information / test results • RUSLE calculations • P-Index calculations • Nutrient production • Whole farm nutrient budget • Nutrient management recommendations
In 2003 the Arkansas 84th General Assembly passed 3 laws affecting the way Arkansas manages and applies nutrients ACT 1059:Soil Nutrient Management Planner and Applicator Certification Act. ACT 1060:Registry of Poultry Feeding Operations. ACT 1061:Requires Proper Application of Nutrients and Utilization of Poultry Litter in Nutrient Surplus Areas. ACT 2294: Requires a Nutrient Management Plan for all dry litter applications; went into effect January 1 of this year.
ANRC Develops Rules • TITLE 19: Poultry Feeding Operations Registration. • TITLE 20: Nutrient Management Planner Certification Program. • TITLE 21:Nutrient Management Applicator Certification Program. • TITLE 22: Soil Nutrient and Poultry Litter Application and Management Program.
ARKANSAS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Questions and Answers
Arkansas Natural Resources Commission 101 East Capitol Suite 350 Little Rock, AR 72201 501-682-1611