This year’s Manure Science Review had a crystal-clear focus on water.
The annual learning event, which took place in August, had more than a dozen sessions on maximizing the nutrients available in manure while minimizing the risk of them entering lakes and streams. Co-hosted by OARDC, it was for farmers and others in the industry.
“Manure is an excellent soil amendment and provides nutrients for crop growth,” said Glen Arnold, an organizer of the event and manure nutrient management systems field specialist for OARDC’s outreach partner, OSU Extension. “Every positive step we take in properly applying manure is a positive step in the direction of better water quality.”
“Every positive step we take in properly applying manure is a positive step in the direction of better water quality.”—Glen Arnold
Protecting water, producing food
- Curbing farm nutrient runoff has been in the spotlight due to the harmful algal blooms plaguing Lake Erie and other water bodies.
- The issue made headlines in summer 2014 when toxins from a western Lake Erie algal bloom caused a two-day water use ban in Toledo.
- Experts think such blooms are fueled by excess nutrients in the water, especially phosphorus from farm runoff.
- In response to Toledo’s water crisis, CFAES last year established a new comprehensive water quality program. Called Field to Faucet, it aims to ensure safe water for all Ohioans while keeping the state’s farms productive and profitable.
- See a list of Manure Science Review’s speakers and topics at go.osu.edu/MSR2015.
- To contact the source: Glen Arnold at arnold.2@osu.edu.