An Analysis Of Nutrient Utilization Efficiency By Agriculture In Delaware's Inland Bays Drainage Basin

Details

• Personal Author:
  Martin, John H., 1922-2007 ; Farrell, Joseph G. ; Mackenzie, John
• NOAA Program & Office:
  Sea Grant ; OAR (Oceanic and Atmospheric Research)
• Sea Grant Program:
  DELU (Delaware Sea Grant)
• Description:
  Sussex County, Delaware, is a major producer of broiler chickens, and this industry is vital to the local economy. A major portion of the industry is located in the watershed that drains into the fragile Inland Bays, which suffer from nutrient enrichment and habitat loss. Animal feeding operations generally are regarded to be potentially significant contributors of nitrogen and phosphorus to adjacent water bodies through surface runoff and groundwater discharge. This study had two objectives. The first was to determine broiler manure production and assimilation potential, based on field crop production and other nutrient inputs, in each of the three major watersheds. The second was to evaluate potential redistribution strategies for broiler manure. Results generally confirm that the quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus in the broiler manure substantially exceed requirements for crop production. And, unfortunately, to facilitate any significant movement of broiler manure from the Inland Bays for use in crop production, one of two things must occur. The current valuation of broiler manure as fertilizer must increase, or transportation costs must be subsidized by a third party.
• Series:
  DEL-SG
• Sea Grant Document Number:
  DELU-T-98-002
• Document Type:
  Technical Report
• Funding:
  Grant no. NA96RG0029
• Place as Subject:
  Delaware
• Rights Information:
  Public Domain
• Compliance:
  Library
• Download URL:
  https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/39865/noaa_39865_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 5.22 MB]
• Collection(s):
  Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) ; Sea Grant Publications
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha256:c512cbcce88c0f52d172cef7b0c804b549328229afe30ce368f6192a378a5d48