Hog manure has been known to be a valuable source of nutrients but little has been documented about the environmental impacts of organic fertilizers on ecosystems of semi-arid to sub-humid ecosystems. This study addresses manure management on croplands as well, the environmental and health concerns with the use of hog manure as a fertilizer. The objectives were to measure the presence and potential pollutants in soils, runoff waters and shallow ground water as well as to provide recommendations to prevent the accumulation of environmental or health related pollutants. The entire experiment is to take six years. Parameters measured are dissolved solids, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, carbon, heavy metals and coliform bacteria. The project was started in 1998 and is underway. The baseline soil and water data at the Perdue site was collected during the fall of 1998 and fall 1999, and the first manure application was October 1999. Post application data has been taking place and preliminary results are expected to be evaluated in spring 2001. Baseline data has been collected at the Elstow site and the first manure application is expected to take place in the fall of 2001.
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