Suter Science Seminars
Friday, Sept. 12, 2008
4 p.m., Science Center 104
Moving Towards Phosphorus Based Nutrient Management Plans: Issues and Options
Rory O. Maguire, Ph.D.
Regulations in the Mid-Atlantic States are moving manure management from a traditional nitrogen basis towards a phosphorus basis to protect water quality. This means farmers covered by the regulations can sometimes apply less manure, as there is an imbalance in the nitrogen: phosphorus ratio in manures compared to crop requirements. Some of the nutrient mass balance and soil test data that explains what is driving the regulations will be covered.
Several studies conducted in the Shenandoah Valley will also be reviewed. These include looking at how moving to phosphorus based nutrient management affects soil nutrient status and yields, and explaining some alternate management options for manures that are available to livestock farmers.
About the Presenter
Rory O. Maguire, Ph.D.
Rory Maguire received his Ph.D. degree in agricultural food and environmental chemistry from Glasgow University. He currently is assistant professor of nutrient management at Virginia Technical University, Blacksburg, Va.
His research activities revolve around improving the efficiency of manure nutrient management and using innovated approaches to protect the environment and enhance the profitability and sustainability of farming systems. An example that is applicable locally is discovering alternate uses for poultry litter in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
He is the associate editor of the Journal of Environmental Quality and received an honor award from the USDA Secretary of Agriculture for his work in phosphate loss assessment.
