Our Nation's farms, cities and industries generate over one billion tons of organic and inorganic wastes annually.  Manure from our farms, biosolids and other organic materials from our cities, and selected industrial byproducts, if properly managed, can be used agriculturally as nutrient sources for crops and to improve soil properties. However, improperly managed manure and other byproducts can pose a threat to soil, water and air quality, and to human and animal health. Research within the Manure and Byproduct Utilization National Program is focused on developing management practices and technologies for effective agricultural use of manure and other byproducts while protecting environmental quality, human health, and animal health. A systems research approach involving all phases of animal feeding; manure handling, storage and treatment; land application; crop production; conservation practices; and alternative uses is being employed to provide solutions to problems in this area.