Animal Waste Management
Overview
The
potential for transport of nutrients and pathogens from livestock
and dairy production operations to the environment exists with commercial
and non-commercial operations. In order to stay economically competitive,
most commercial livestock and dairy production operations have increased
the number of animals utilizing the same land base. In Alaska, dog-mushing
operations are a potential source for nutrient and pathogen transport.
Adoption of animal waste best management practices can reduce the
transport of nutrients and pathogens from farms/non-commercial operations
and contribute to improved water quality. Improved management and
utilization of animal wastes can occur through proper collection,
storage, proper land application and composting. Such strategies
can
benefit farmers by reducing disposal problems and reliance on commercial
fertilizers, as well as improving water retention and fertility
of soils. The Pacific Northwest Regional Water Quality Program provides
a broad range of research-based educational materials devoted to
animal waste management and utilization. Cooperative Extension regularly
conducts outreach programs with livestock producers on a wide range
of best management practices.
Desired Outcomes
- Groundwater and surface water is better protected from contamination by animal wastes
- Livestock production economics are improved by implementation of whole farm nutrient management strategies
- Producers have a greater knowledge of nutrient cycles and environmental concerns
- Livestock producers are considered good stewards of the environment
ALASKA Contact
Fred Sorensen, Water Quality Coordinator, Anchorage, (907)
786-6311, dffes@uaa.alaska.edu
Milan Shipka, Extension Livestock Specialist, Fairbanks,
(907) 474-7429, ffmps@uaf.edu
ALASKA Publications
GWQ-00548 Protecting Alaska’s Water Resources
GWQ-00947 How Alaska’s Groundwater is Contaminated
LPM-00340 Animal Manure as Fertilizer
PNW 552 Taking Care of Streams in Western Washington, Western
Oregon, and Coastal Alaska: A Homeowners Guide
PNW 558 Taking Care of Streams in Western Washington, Western
Oregon, and Coastal Alaska: A Landowner’s Guide to Riparian
Areas
PNW 560 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska: A Guide to Riparian Areas in Rangelands
PNW 561 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska: A Recreationist’s Guide to Riparian Areas
PNW 562 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska: A Developer’s Guide to Riparian Areas