Nutrient management planning on four Virginia livestock farms: Impacts on net income and nutrient losses

A case study analysis estimates field-level and farm-level nutrient loss reductions and associated income impact of nutrient management practices on four Virginia livestock farms. After the farms adopted a nutrient management plan, average annual nitrogen losses decreased by 23 to 45%, phosphorus losses decreased on three farms by 23 to 66%, and net farm income increased by $395 to $4,593. Reductions in nutrient losses varied within and across farms according to unique farm characteristics, fertilizer management practices, and weather. Although these nutrient loss reductions were significant, it is unlikely that reductions achieved through traditional nutrient management planning approaches alone are enough to achieve the 40% reduction goal for nitrogen loadings to the Chesapeake Bay.