Economic and environmental considerations for nitrogen management in the mid-Atlantic coastal plain

A case study in eastern Virginia provides evidence that both environmental and farm profit goals may be satisfied by alternative nitrogen (N) management strategies for grain production. We used a linear programming framework with an N mass balance model to calculate returns from several options for providing N to crops. Replacing single applications of inorganic N fertilizer with split applications or with additions of organic N were found to reduce the potential for N loss from cropland and to increase net returns. For some N management strategiesy however, adoption may require financial and educational assistance. As a result, water quality policies may benefit by including such incentives.