Best Management Practices for Reducing Nitrate Contamination of the Groundwater on Dairy Farms

Groundwater studies conducted in north Florida indicate that improperly managed waste from dairy farms can create groundwater nitrate pollution. A study was conducted using suction lysimeters and the CREAMS computer model to evaluate recommended best management practices (BMPs) at several dairy farms in north Florida. The BMPs were determined from a nitrogen balance to reduce the amount of nitrate leaching from the dairies while maintaining economic vitality. A complete list of BMPs is given within the article.