Concerns about N Losses

Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for crop and animal production. Protein/nitrogen sources as purchased feeds and fertilizers can represent significant input costs for dairy producers. If over fed or fertilized, N can be lost to groundwater, surface water and air. All of these reasons make efficient N management on dairy farm an important concern for producers and the public, alike.

The following section will address the range of concerns about N management on dairy farms, including:

• Public concerns.
• N losses from dairy farms.
• Dairy farmer concerns.
• Regulation of N losses.
• Mass Nutrient Balances.
• Lawsuits.

Continue to the next page to begin.