Phosphorus in manure will be regulated for the first time, along with nitrogen, under new final regulations adopted by the State Conservation Commissions.

Nearly 1,000 farms are subject to the regulations, with an additional 1,400 farms voluntarily complying with the requirements, which include developing a nutrient management plan with specialists certified by the Department of Agriculture.

The new regulations are a balance between properly applying manure generated on high-density animal operations – those with more than 2,000 pounds of animals per acre – without overly restricting the movement of nutrients throughout the state, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The regulations include not only phosphorous management, but also exporting manure from farms, manure setbacks from water sources, seasonal application, manure stacking, soil testing and financial assistance.

A standard management plan format was designed to ensure consistency in reporting, and a method of documenting manure exported off the farm was also developed.

The State Conservation Commission worked with the departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Penn State University, other agricultural industry leaders and the public to develop the new requirements.

The State Conservation Commission provides educational and technical assistance and financial aid to farmers for proper nutrient management. To date, more than $12 million has been provided to Pennsylvania farmers to help them comply with the regulations.

For detailed information on the new regulations, visit the Nutrient Management webpage or contact nutrient management specialist Doug Goodlander at 717-787-8821 or dgoodlande@state.pa.us , or contact your local conservation district.

7/7/2006