BUTLER/CUNNINGHAM

This page presents a statement from Dr. Wes Wood of Auburn University on the issue of CAFOs.

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Wes Wood on CAFOs

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From Dr. Wes Wood: (www.auburn.edu/~woodcha/index.html)

Animal production represents the largest fraction of Alabama's agriculture based on cash receipts. Although vital to the state's economy, the animal production industry is not without probems that may limit its growth or even threaten its existence. Millions of tons of manure generated during production create a liability for animal producters, and a potential environmental hazard if mismanaged. In fact, animal manures are being identified as the major contributors to non-point source pollution.

In large part, manures generated at animal production sites are applied to pastures or crops as nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) sources. The major potential pollution problems associated with excess manures being applied to the land include 1) ground water pollution with nitrate-nitrogen that upon ingestion can lead to blue-baby syndrome, cancer, and livestock health problems, 2) surface water pollution with nitrogen and phosphorus that can result in eutrophication (over enrichment) that leads t noxious aquatic plant growth, depleted idssolved oxygen, fish kills, bad odors, and increases in mosquito populations, 3) air pollution including foul odors, ammonia emission that contributes to eutrophication of natural terrestrial ecosystems, and nitrous oxide emission that contributes to destruction of atmospheric ozone and the greenhouse effect, and 4) soil contamination with elements such as copper and arsenic that derive from feed supplements.

Animal production in Alabama is geographically compressed owing to the need for close proximity of production and processing facilities. This situation is further exacerbated by the typically low concentrations of nutrients in animal manures, i.e., value of nutrients in manures is quickly exceeded by transportation costs within short hauling distances. Thus, large amounts of imported nutrients (in forms of animal feed imported from the Midwest) are land applied to soils in close proximity to production units. To reduce the potential for water, air, and soil pollution, manure applicatioins should be imited to agronomic rates, which will require producers to obtain access to more land for application of manure. Unfortunately, several Alabama counties currently generate more N and P in manures than is needed for crops and pastures in those counties. Solutions to potential problems associated with generation of massive amounts of animal manures in several Alabama locations will require more research and outreach so as to help farmers in the state sustain profitable animal production. Needed efforts include: 1) development of manure treatment technologies that reduce nutrient availability, eliminate odor, reduce gas emissions and generate value added products, and land application technologies that prevent escape of nutrients to water and air; 2) large scale demonstrations of manure transport from manure-rich to manure-poor areas of Alabama; and, 3) heightening of outreach efforts in the ares of agricultural waste management, which will help farmers sustain profitable animal production in Alabama in an environmentally compatible manner.

End of statement by Dr. Wes Wood.

Dr. Wood's work can be viewed, and he can be contacted, by going to his web site at www.auburn.edu/~woodch/index.html or by going through the AU Ag web site at www.auburn.edu