The use of animal wastes to produce forages is environmentally appropriate and agronomically sound. However, there is limited information on the response of cool season grasses to nitrogen contained in animal wastes. New varieties and other currently recommended species lack up-to-date field-based information. Farmers and producers are requesting this type of information to enhance their animal waste management plans.

The work was conducted in counties noted for animal production and represents excellent sites for field days and farm tours. This project involved field sites in Columbus, Onslow, Sampson, and Lenoir counties and complemented ongoing forage trials at NCDA / NCSU research farms in Sampson and Lenoir counties. In contrast to the existing trials, this project examined additional cool season grass species and alfalfa as receiving crops for animal waste. Forage analysis, soil samples, and shallow groundwater sampling will provide data on nitrogen cycling and availability for leaching.

A cool season grass trial in Sampson County at the Horticultural Crops Research Station involved the application of 200 or 400 lb. N/ac to two cultivars of five species. A second forage demonstration was established at the Richard Bryan Farm in Onslow County and involves the application of 4 nitrogen rates as swine effluent on Matua rescuegrass. Preliminary data analyses have been made for the Sampson County site and will be completed this winter. Onslow data indicated elevated levels of nitrate in a few wells and new wells will be installed.

Alfalfa trials were planted in Lenoir and Columbus Counties. The Lenoir site at the NCDA Caswell Farm will involve the application of 0, 200, 400, and 600 lb. N/ac to alfalfa that was not inoculated with nodule-forming bacteria. The sites in Columbus County which involved a solid set and traveling gun irrigation could not be used for further demonstration and applied research activities due to poor stand establishment. Alfalfa was harvested during the alfalfa growing season at the Lenoir site and final data preparation is underway.

This project had significant impact on educating the public on animal waste management and nitrogen cycling in the environment. On April 4, 1999, the Onslow County Chamber of Commerce tour visited three local farms, including Richard Bryan’s farm. Tour participants were informed about the project and why it was being done. They saw several soil monoliths, including one made from the test area. They were also shown the wells, swine houses, and lagoon. On November 4 and 11, 1999, Dr. Gil Grant of Coastal Carolina Community College utilized the Onslow site for his Environmental Biology classes. The field tour included sharing information on the rescuegrass project and shown the groundwater monitoring wells. Discussions included the use of other grasses in waste management systems, aspects of water quality, and odor issues. Special focus was placed on the importance of nitrate in ecosystems and associated nitrate exports in surface and shallow subsurface waters. Samples were taken from two of the wells for on-site nitrate testing. The students also visited the lagoon and swine houses. In all, more than 60 people have visited the site so far. The project is being submitted as part of an Alternative Swine Waste Technologies class for farmers who receive continuing education credit as animal waste applicators. It is hoped that the class will be offered this spring.

The Onslow and Lenoir sites will be monitored for the coming year and supported with supplemental funds from other sources. Ms. Karen Spivey and Dr. Diana Rashash have provided critical field support to this project and are part of the reason for the success of the Onslow site and its integration into ongoing CES educational programs.