A Comprehensive Nutrient Management Computer Model for Livestock Producers

This paper describes the features of a newly developed computer model for livestock waste nutrient management. The paper covers the flexible user features including the ability to define an enterprise (number & type of animal, confinement type, manure handling system, etc.), a manure treatment and application method (pit, lagoon, spray irrigate, soil injection, etc.), and the type and acreage of all crops to which the animal residuals will be applied. The paper also describes the several databases that form the basis for the model's calculations. Examples are presented to demonstrate how the model can be used to not only develop required nutrient management plans, but also to optimize the producer's use of land and capital, while meeting environmental requirements.