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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #125424
Title: PRODUCTION AND FEEDING STRATEGIES FOR PHOSPHORUS MANAGEMENT ON DAIRY FARMS IN NEW YORK

Author
item Rotz, Clarence - Al
item Sharpley, Andrew
item Gburek, William
item Sanderson, Matt
item Satter, Larry

Submitted to: American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/30/2001
Publication Date: 8/1/2001
Citation: Rotz, C.A., Sharpley, A.N., Gburek, W.J., Sanderson, M.A., Satter, L.D. 2001. Production and feeding strategies for phosphorus management on dairy farms in new york. American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers. 1:1-17.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Catskill and Delaware watersheds, which are primarily covered with forests and dairy farms, supply 90% of the water required for New York City. Phosphorus (P) loading of these watersheds is becoming an important concern, and nutrient management plans are being implemented on dairy farms in this area in an effort to reduce P losses to surface water. Management changes in crop production and feeding may be useful in reducing the long- term accumulation of excess P, but farm profitability must be maintained or improved. Whole-farm simulation was used to evaluate the long-term effects of changes in feeding, cropping, and other production strategies on phosphorus loading and the economics of two farms in this region. Simulated farms maintained a long-term P balance if: 1) animals were fed to meet new recommendations on P requirements, 2) the cropping strategy and land base used supplied all of the forage needed, 3) all animals were fed a ahigh forage diet, and 4) replacement heifers were produced on the farm. The most economical strategy for reducing P loading was to reduce the supplemental mineral P fed to all animals to that needed to meet the new recommendations on P requirements. Intensifying the use of grassland and improving grazing practices also increased profit along with a small reduction in P loading. Thus, management changes can be made to prevent the long-term accumulation of soil P on dairy farms in southeastern New York while improving farm profitability.