Transport of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Microorganisms from Manure into Surface- and Groundwater

The quality of water resources is an important factor that must be considered in any analysis of sustainable agriculture or resource management. Most contaminants affecting water quality in rural areas can be grouped into one of three classes: simple inorganic ions, more complex organic molecules, and particulates. Contaminants of all three classes can result from animal manure. In particular, it potentially provides the source of nitrate, phosphate, toxic metals, and bacteria as well as materials that generate high biological oxygen demand.