AOPA Concern #3: Manure Application Rates

Rates are currently based on nitrogen instead of phosphorous

Research is showing that phosphorous is a limiting factor in application rates. (Due to costs there is a tendency to apply the manure at excessively high rates)

Soil Testing

  • Not mandatory and results don’t have to be turned in to authorities unless requested
  • Only required to be taken every 3 years (Oct 2006 regulations amendments)
  • Manure management plan not required for CFOs if they own the required land base for approval (in first year of operation only)

No reporting process

The NRCB does not have a formal reporting process which requires CFO operators to formally report incidents which pose a risk to the environment (Ex. Manure spills/releases)