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We conducted case studies on four Connecticut dairy farms to evaluate how well farmers implemented their nutrient management plans (NMPs). Our findings can help Extension educators develop programs to improve NMPs and NMP adoption by farmers. We identified three educational topic areas that would likely increase NMP understanding and acceptance: (a) soil testing protocol, results interpretation, and nutrient recommendations; (b) manure fertilizer-equivalent value, proper application, and effective distribution; and (c) costs and benefits of substituting on-farm manure for purchased commercial fertilizer. A new adaptive nutrient management program presents a timely opportunity for cost-effective and collaborative on-farm education efforts by Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

We conducted case studies on four Connecticut dairy farms to evaluate how well farmers implemented their nutrient management plans (NMPs). Our findings can help Extension educators develop programs to improve NMPs and NMP adoption by farmers. We identified three educational topic areas that would likely increase NMP understanding and acceptance: (a) soil testing protocol, results interpretation, and nutrient recommendations; (b) manure fertilizerequivalent value, proper application, and effective distribution; and (c) costs and benefits of substituting on-farm manure for purchased commercial fertilizer. A new adaptive nutrient management program presents a timely opportunity for cost-effective and collaborative on-farm education efforts by Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution of manure on a farm is constrained by strategic, tactical, and operational factors and can be optimized by use of a nutrient management plan (NMP). Variables affecting a farmer's choice to implement manure recommendations can be identified by econometric models. Probit and feasible generalized least squares multiple regression models for panel data were fitted using 4 to 5 yr of field-by-field records of manure applications from four dairy farms in Connecticut. The results of the models showed that the farmers' decisions about manure applications were significantly affected by a common factor: the distance from the manure storage lagoon to the field. Other factors, including field ownership, field size, crop, soil test P, recommended manure application, fertilizer N and P applications, and N and P requirements for crop growth, also significantly affected some of the farmers' decisions about manure distribution. Identification of the factors affecting a farmer's decision is important for NMP planners and policymakers for developing more feasible and adoptable NMPs while minimizing the negative effects of land application of manure. This research illustrates how to use and interpret econometric models to analyze the decisions farmers make when they face two alternatives: a traditional practice or an improved NMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study had two main objectives: (i) to evaluate how well farmers implemented nutrient management plans (NMPs) by comparing the farmers' reported practices with the recommended management for manure and fertilizer; and (ii) to evaluate whether the management of manure and fertilizer had significant effects on the nutrient status of soil and corn tissue tests. The analysis relied on data from four dairy farms that had 5 to 7 yr of records at the field level. The farmers chose to apply the recommended amount of fertilizer P from 50 to 100% of the fields. The amount applied was often only 10 to 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 different from the recommended amount. The farmers applied the recommended amount of fertilizer N from 40 to 71% of the fields when the pre-sidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) was used for the recommendation, but only 1 to 21% of the fields received the recommended amount when the yield goal method was used. These data suggest that the farmers trusted a fertilizer recommendation developed from a soil test more than they trusted a nonsoil test recommendation. Only a small percentage of fields (3-37%) received the recommended amount of manure N and P. Variability in the amount of residual N available from previous manure applications caused great variation in the PSNT and corn stalk nitrate values (CSNT). This variation in N availability in fields indicates that a number of years of data are needed before the PSNT and the CSNT can be used to objectively evaluate the performance of an NMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]