nutrient management on horse operations doug goodlander pa state conservation commission lebanon...
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Nutrient Management on Horse Operations
Doug GoodlanderPA State Conservation Commission
Lebanon Valley Ag CenterOctober 15, 2008
Animal Operations in PA
CAFOs (300+)
All Animal Operations (AOs) All operations generating/utilizing manure
Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs)
Based on animal density
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
Based on animal numbers and/or animal density
CAOs (1,300+)CAOs (1,300+)
AOs (23,000+)
Animal Operations in PA
CAFOs (300+)
All Animal Operations (AOs) All operations generating/utilizing manure
Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs)
Based on animal density
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
Based on animal numbers and/or animal density
CAOs (1,300+)CAOs (1,300+)
AOs (23,000+)
Pa’s Clean Streams LawAll farms producing or using manure
(including horse farms) need the following: Manure (nutrient) management plans
Addresses: Manure application: cannot apply more than the crop can
use Nitrogen and phosphorus concerns Nutrient balance sheet can help with this assessment
Manure storage and exercise areas: cannot allow these areas to run polluted water into streams, wells, etc.
No need for review or approval
Conservation plan required for plowing or tilling More emphasis on these smaller farms
Especially horse farms, and cattle farms next to streams
AOs
Animal Operations in PA
CAFOs (300+)
All Animal Operations (AOs) All operations generating/utilizing manure
Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs)
Based on animal density
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
Based on animal numbers and/or animal density
CAOs (1,300+)CAOs (1,300+)
AOs (23,000+)
Major Regulatory Provisions
Who is regulated under Act 38? Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs)
High density livestock operations, including pleasure & recreation (horse boarding)
> 2,000 lbs animal live weight per acre Excludes any operation < 8 AEUs
8 horses (non-draft breeds)
Volunteer participation is encouraged
How does this CAO calculation work out for the small operation?
CAOsCAOs
Regulated Equine Operations
Examples:5 horses on 2 acres (5,000 lbs/2 acres = 2,500 lbs per acre)
High density, but not > 8,000 lbs - not a regulated CAO
9 horses on 5 acres (9,000 lbs/5 acres = 1,800 lbs per acre) > 8,000 lbs, but not high density - not a regulated CAO
10 horses on 4 acres (10,000 lbs/4 acres= 2,500 lbs per acre) > 8,000 lbs and high density - this is a regulated CAO
(Must be both > 8,000 lbs and > 2,000 lbs/acre)
CAOsCAOs
Major Regulatory ProvisionsWho is regulated? Concentrated Animal
Operations (CAOs) High density livestock operations, including
pleasure & recreation (horse boarding) > 2,000 lbs animal live weight per acre Excludes any operation < 8 AEUs
7 horses (non-draft breeds)
Volunteer (VAO) participation is encouraged
CAOsCAOs
What are these operations required to have?
Standard format, Nutrient Management Plan Developed by certified planners Reviewed and approved by conservation district
Major Regulatory Provisions
Nutrients included in NMPs: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) N and P are the only regulated nutrients
N application: N may be tied up in excessive bedding
P application: P Index analysis (not a big issue) Near streams for pastures (BAD) Fields are generally grass based (GOOD) N/P ratio of manure (GOOD)
12/5 horse, 10/4 diary, 50/55 pig, 66/63 broiler, 37/55 layer
K included for operator’s information General fertility Animal health
CAOsCAOs
Major Regulatory Provisions
Year-round manure application setbacks: Applies to mechanical application only
100’ setback or 35’ setback 35’ setback only applies if a permanent vegetated buffer
exists or is established adjacent to (good pasture counts as buffer):
perennial and intermittent streams lakes and ponds existing open sinkholes
100’ setback for private and public drinking water wells/springs
No 35’ setback/buffer option
Much horse manure is animal applied, therefore not terribly relevant
CAOsCAOs
Major Regulatory Provisions
Winter manure application restrictions: Winter manure application fields and conditions
must be listed and approved in the NM plan
Winter application fields must have at least 25% cover (residue or live plants)
Must follow additional winter application setbacks: 100’ from intakes to ag drainage systems and EV
wetlands
Most manure applied by animals so not a big issue, but then again not many with storage over winter
CAOsCAOs
Major Regulatory Provisions
Manure exporting requirements: Signed Agreements (standard form)
Exporter/Importer or Exporter/Broker Nutrient Balance Sheets addressing N and P (map)
Nitrogen applications limited to crop uptake 3 options to address Phosphorus management
Commercial haulers/brokers must be certified under Act 49 Commercial Hauler statement required in NMP
Small quantity exclusion from export requirements 25 tons solid non-poultry manure 5 tons solid poultry manure 10,000 gallons liquid manure
Marketable manure, brokers are normal, and for many operations export can fall under low quantity exclusion
CAOsCAOs
Major Regulatory Provisions
Manure stacking restrictions: Big for horse operations, their manure is “stackable” Traditional vs. In-field stacking
Traditional stacking Storage – awaiting disposal or land application Adjacent to facility – proper location extremely important
In-field stacking must address the following: Maximum of 120 days without covering
14 days for CAFOs Cone or windrow shaped Location identified on the NMP or NBS maps Not within 150’ of streams, lakes, ponds, wells, sinkholes Not on excessively drained soils, or high water table Not on slopes > 8% Not in water concentration areas Stacking area rotated annually
Unless using an “improved” stacking area
CAOsCAOs
Major Regulatory Provisions
Pastures vs. Animal Concentration Areas (ACAs)
This is a biggie for horse operations
Pasture: A livestock area managed primarily for forage production Stocking rate must address N balance and P-index
ACA: Will not maintain a growing crop, or where nutrients are deposited in excess of crop N needs Adjust stocking rate to meet “pasture” definition, or Implement BMPs to protect water quality
Collect and land-apply manure Implement upslope surface water and roof runoff BMPs Implement runoff collection/treatment BMPs Restrict livestock access to surface water
CAOsCAOs
Act 38 Summary
New Act 38 regulations went into effect on Oct 1, 2006
Existing horse CAOs must submit their plan now, volunteers can submit at any time.
Need to hire a planner, Get soil tests Get a conservation plan Submit the plan to the conservation district
An approved plan may make you eligible for funding to implement the plan
CAOsCAOs
Animal Operations in PA
CAFOs (300+)
All Animal Operations (AOs) All operations generating/utilizing manure
Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs)
Based on animal density
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
Based on animal numbers and/or animal density
CAOs (1,300+)CAOs (1,300+)
AOs (23,000+)
Pa’s CAFO ProgramFederal program delegated to DEP to administer
Regulates larger animal operations (CAFOs) > 300 and a CAO (300 horses, etc.), or Meet EPA animal numbers
500 horses
Requires operation permit (NPDES) from DEP Individual or general
Generally, same Nutrient Management Plan as CAOs: application rates, setbacks, fall/winter restrictions, exported
manure requirements, field stacking requirements, etc
But, additional restrictions on CAFOs relating to: Setbacks required on more than just flowing streams, etc
14 day in-field stacking limitation without covering or improved area
CAFOs
In conclusion…
All animal farms Manure Management Plan, Ag E&S Plan
Application, storage and barnyard No formal plan approvals required
High density animal farms (CAOs) Nutrient Management Plan, Ag E&S Plan
Plan approval required Manure application setback restrictions Exported manure requirements
Large animal farms (CAFOs) Nutrient Management Plan, Ag E&S Plan, DEP
Permit Same plan requirements as CAOs Additional setback requirements
CAFOs AOs
CAOsCAOs
Is that all I need to worry about
No, neighbor relations is key to longevity:
Flies and odors: Clean up after your horses Keep manure dry (bedding, keep water from the
manure) Compost your manure Keep a buffer from your neighbors Cover the manure pile Fly control products (strips, traps) Frequent application (7 day life cycle)
The wrap up
The bottom line is, horse operations need to be good neighbors
1. Address water quality• Nutrient or manure mgmt plan
Storage, application and barnyards• Conservation plan for row crop fields• Approved plans or permits where necessary
2. Address flies and other vectors• Housekeeping and general water mgmt is key
3. Odor management is important
You need to make sure you are a good neighbor… for your own good and for the good of the industry
The End
Any Questions or Comments?