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.
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