Author
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Weld, Jennifer |
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Submitted to: Dairy Council Digest
Publication Type: Popular Publication Publication Acceptance Date: 12/5/2003 Publication Date: 12/15/2003 Citation: Weld, J.L. 2003. The Pennsylvania phosphorus index: Integrating farm management options. Dairy Council Digest. p. 4-5. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: An evaluation of a field, using the Pennsylvania Phosphorus (P) Index: Version 1, results in a final P Index value that is used to determine whether nutrients applied to the field should be managed on a nitrogen (N) basis (the current standard in Pennsylvania) or a P basis. When a field receives a High or Very High P Index rating, there is a risk for P loss, and P-based management is recommended. We present components of a Pennsylvania P Index evaluation, in which the initial field management conditions and desired manure application rate resulted in a P Index rating of Very High, which would indicate that this area is vulnerable to P loss and that no P can be applied to this field. To demonstrate the impact of management practices and subsequent identification of areas vulnerable to P loss, The Pennsylvania P Index: Version 1 was used to evaluate the following management practices: (1) changing the manure application timing from fall to spring surface application, (2) installation of a riparian buffer, and (3) dairy ration modifications to reduce P from 0.48 to 0.38 % P. All three management scenarios reduce the potential for P loss while allowing P to be applied to a field that was initially restricted to no P application. |
