Trends in animal production have moved the industry toward
large confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). These
CAFOs concentrate large amounts of manure-based nutrients
in relatively small areas, which increases the risk of nutrient loss
to the surrounding environment. In response to water quality
concerns, P-based manure application regulations are becoming
more common. Mr. Pritchard is the owner and operator of
two 4500-head swine (Sus scrofa) farms located in an area of intensive
animal production in North Carolina. He has noticed an
increasing trend in the soil P concentrations in his manure application
fields and realizes that he does not have enough land
to apply his anaerobically treated liquid swine manure based
on crop P uptake. Mr. Pritchard is now faced with the dilemma
of what to do to slow down the P accumulation in his soil. This
case constructs a P budget for Mr. Pritchard's farm to examine
ways of balancing on-farm nutrients. Students are encouraged
to explore solutions related to animal nutrition, crop production,
water quality, soil chemistry, and manure management.
Furthermore, students should evaluate the appropriate role of
government and industry in assisting Mr. Pritchard to protect
the environment while remaining a profitable swine producer
