Impacts of Alternative Manure Application Rates on Texas Animal Feeding Operations: A Macro Level Analysis1 |
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| Authors: | E Osei B Du A Bekele L Hauck A Saleh A Tanter |
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| Institution: | 1. Respectively, Senior Research Economist, Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research (TIAER), Box T‐0410, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas 76402;2. Assistant Research Scientist, TIAER, Box T‐0410, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas 76402;3. Research Scientist, Imperial Oil Resources, 3535 Research Road N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2L 2K8;4. Deputy Director, TIAER, Box T‐0410, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas 76402;5. Economic and Environmental Modeling Coordinator, TIAER, Box T‐0410, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas 76402;6. Research Associate, TIAER, Box T‐0410, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas 76402. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract: An integrated economic and environmental modeling system was developed for evaluating agro‐environmental policies and practices implemented on large scales. The modeling system, the Comprehensive Economic and Environmental Optimization Tool‐Macro Modeling System (CEEOT‐MMS), integrates the Farm‐level Economic Model (FEM) and the Agricultural Policy Environmental eXtender (APEX) model, as well as national databases and clustering and aggregation algorithms. Using micro simulations of statistically derived representative farms and subsequent aggregation of farm‐level results, a wide range of agricultural best management practices can be investigated within CEEOT‐MMS. In the present study, CEEOT‐MMS was used to evaluate the economic and water quality impacts of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) based manure application rates when implemented on all animal feeding operations in the State of Texas. Results of the study indicate that edge‐of‐field total P losses can be reduced by about 0.8 kg/ha/year or 14% when manure applications are calibrated to supply all of the recommended crop P requirements from manure total P sources only, when compared to manure applications at the recommended crop N agronomic rate. Corresponding economic impacts are projected to average a US$4,800 annual cost increase per farm. Results are also presented by ecological subregion, farm type, and farm size categories. |
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| Keywords: | nonpoint source pollution best management practices animal feeding operations environmental impacts clustering costs simulation modeling |
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