Characterization of plant nutrients and traceable marker components in dairy manure for organic dairy farming management evaluation

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2012

Abstract

Organic dairy farming has increased rapidly in recent years. Organic dairy farm management can differ considerably from conventional practices, which typically results in smaller imports of protein and energy feeds, a higher proportion of forage crops in the ration, and more widespread use of bedding material. Such divergent practices can alter the chemical characteristics of the manure and the resulting interactions with the landscape and soil. At present, however, little information is available on the impacts of organic farming on the chemically structural and functional properties of dairy manure. This chapter summarizes the comparative characterization of dairy manure samples from selected Maine (USA) organic and conventional farms by chemical and advanced instrumental techniques. We found no distinct difference in total C, N and P contents and forms between the two types of dairy manure. However, a general pattern on the impact of organic farming is observed and can be attributed to more forage feedstuffs in organic dairy farming management and more protein and other additives in conventional dairy feedstuffs. Information derived from this work may be useful in aiding organic dairy farmers in making nutrient and manure management decisions. More than that, further studies based on some observations in this chapter may also lead to establishing the manure criteria for evaluation and authentification of organic dairy farming programs. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Applied Research of Animal Manure: Challenges and Opportunities beyond the Adverse Environmental Concerns

First Page

3

Last Page

19

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