Agricultural Nutrient Management

• Livestock Manure Pollution Prevention Project (P3)

Over 35,000 livestock farms produce manure in Ontario.  This resource may be used profitably in the production of many crops to:

• improve crop yields

• add organic material to improve the soil's water and nutrient holding capacity,

• enhance soil porosity for better aeration and drainage,

• reduce runoff and soil erosion potential through improved soil structure,

• encourage growth of beneficial soil organisms.

When manure is not handled properly it can result in a spill, pollution surface water and groundwater.  Problems may occur during any of the steps of manure management, including: collection, transfer, storage and application.  If a manure spill reaches a stream it can create serious problems for aquatic life as well as for people and livestock.

In light of the current issues surrounding 'intensive livestock farming’ the UTRCA has developed a position paper to address environmental concerns related to livestock operations. The paper is entitled Position Paper: The Environment and Intensive Livestock Operations.