A swine integrator's perspective on nutrient management procedures

The goal of pork producers is to operate in a sustainable manner that inclu des among other requirements, environmental soundness, social acceptability , and profitability. Gains in efficiency have reduced nutrient by-products per pig, but competitive forces have led to specialization, larger farms, a nd concentrated areas of production that have resulted in new opportunities related to nutrient management. Available technology uses on-farm processi ng or storage facilities, and manure is applied to the land as an organic f ertilizer. Knowledge of nutrient content of soils and crop uptake of nutrie nts is incorporated into manure application and crop removal plans to preve nt either runoff or nutrient buildup on the land. This is to ensure water q uality protection. Existing systems are adequate but lack flexibility, requ ire effective management, may not have been incorporated into older farms, and do not offer obvious solutions to odor concerns. Cost-effective alterna tives should address those needs. Advancement in nutrient management proced ures will likely accelerate the ongoing changes in the structure of the swi ne industry.