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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Patricia E. Norris  and
Leonard A. Shabman
Patricia E. Norris
Affiliation:
Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078;
Leonard A. Shabman
Affiliation:
Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061.
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

rotationsorganic fertilizerpoultry litternet returnsmass balancewater quality
Type
Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 7 , Issue 4 , December 1992 , pp. 148 - 156
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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