The nitrogen dynamics of manured soils in east-central Saskatchewan were studied from a three-year period between 1997-1999. This study attempted to understand the behaviour of manure nitrogen in Saskatchewan soils, in particular examining the potential crop utilization and loss mechanisms of nitrogen contained in swine manure. It identified four potential transformations of ammonia present in Saskatchewan soils: (1) absorbed by plant roots (2) absorbed by microorganisms (3) volatilized by conversion to NH3 (4) be converted to nitrate. Incomplete mineralization of manure organic N result in approximately a 60-70% crop recovery in the year of application when compared to urea. Nitrogen contained in the organic form is much less suseptable to leaching or gaseous escape. Repeatedly yearly applications of manure that greatly exceed the crops ability of nutrient uptake, increase the risk of the movement of nitrate below the root-zone. Low annual application rates of swine manure showed no evidence of elevated deep soil nitrate levels. However, at high annual rates, there was a downtrend of nitrate in the soil, and urea applied at similar N rates showed a similar trend. This knowledge will aid in the development of manure management systems, ensuring proper application rates and application technologies are used to minimize the environmental impact, and maximize nutrient potential of manure.