Nutrient Management & Manure Management in Pennsylvania

Nutrient Management – Manure Management – what is this stuff all about?  Well, since the Venango Conservation District spends a lot of time on nonpoint source pollution solutions, then it’s a good bet that the management of nutrients and specifically manure would be a good place to address these solutions.  Excess nutrients can enter local waterways via stormwater and can cause water quality impairment.

Nutrient Management Plans can help agricultural operations to utilize nutrients on their farm, while utilizing practices to reduce any pollution that might be running off their farm via stormwater.  Concentrated Animal Operations are required by law to develop and implement nutrient management plans.  Five to ten percent of farms in Pennsylvania are estimated to fall into the Concentrated Animal Operation category.  The other 90% of agricultural operations are encouraged to develop and implement nutrient management plans on a voluntary basis. 

Pennsylvania requires anyone who land applies manure or agricultural process wastewater to develop and implement a Manure Management plan.  Even if a farm does not apply manure mechanically, but might have pastures or Animal Concentration Areas, they still need a manure management plan. 

The Venango Conservation District can help operators with their Nutrient Management Plans and their Manure Management plans.  The VCD works to seek out funding to help operators install and implement best management practices to assist in implementing plans.  The district holds workshops to educate operators on plans and how to get one.  Contact the Venango Conservation District at 814-676-2832 to get more information.

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