WORKSHOP: Compost Bedded Pack Dairy Barns. December 5, 2012, OARDC, Wooster, Ohio. This alternative method allows for handling dairy manure as a solid. Learn about facility design and management; hear from producers using the system; and visit a nearby facility. Details
From Greg LaBarge (OSU) via Ohio Ag Net:
NEW Fact Sheet: Interpreting a Soil Test Report. This OSU Extension publication provides a good guide for what is measured, desirable ranges, and usefulness. Fact Sheet
From OSU newsroom:
Ohio State Researcher to Re-write Ohio’s Phosphorus Index to Improve Water Quality. With funding from USDA and Ohio agribusiness, soil scientist Dr. Elizabeth Dayton plans to write a more accurate P Risk Index and improve its usefulness, including additional best management practices and an interactive web-based tool for calculating P Risk Index scores. Article
From USDA ARS newsroom:
Livestock Waste Management 2.0: Recycling Ammonia Emissions as Fertilizer. USDA scientists have developed a patent-pending membrane that can capture ammonia emissions from livestock wastewater, reducing odor and generating an N-rich fertilizer. Article
From Jill Heemstra (LPELC):
WEBCAST: The 4 R’s of Nutrient Stewardship, November 30, 2012 at 2:30 pm (EST). Greg LaBarge, OSU; Dr. Tom Brunselma, International Plant Nutrition Institute; John Oster, W.R. Grace; and Amanda Douridas, OSU will discuss how the proper application of nutrients can reduce the risk of runoff. Details
November newsletter online. Check out the links to national and state resources and upcoming events. Newsletter
From Morning Ag Clips:
Expanding dairy blamed for fish kill. Ohio EPA is investigating a fish kill in Madison Co., Ohio, which may have been caused by dairy manure. The dairy is currently permitted for 920 cows but is undergoing construction for expansion. Article
From Manure Manager:
MSU selects company to construct biogas plant. Michigan State University plans to build a complete-mix anaerobic digester at its dairy center. In addition to dairy manure, the digester will use food waste from campus dining halls and the community, processing a total of 16,800 tons of material per year to produce 460 kW of renewable energy. Article
Lagoon treatment study receives funding. Sustainable Conservation received a USDA grant to demonstrate the effectiveness of a system that exchanges dairy wastewater between two tanks containing beneficial microorganisms that convert excess nitrogen to a harmless gas, reducing ammonia emissions. Article
Ellington company turns horse manure into fuel. A Connecticut company is converting 30 tons of horse manure a day to bricks that can be used for heating. Article
From U.S. Composting Council:
Fall issue of Compost Communicator available. The online newsletter provides information about the USCC conference in January 2013; member highlights, including a singing compost educator; q & a from the USCC listerve; news; and more. Newsletter
WEBINAR: Vermicomposting in Schools, November 28, 2012 from 4:00-5:00 pm (EST). Learn how a worm bin can be used in the classroom to recycle wastes and provide many hands-on learning opportunities. Details