Reduction of Nutrient Losses for Dairy Farms, with Emphasis on Nitrogen

Recently the Dutch government presented several policy papers in which standards are given for maximum allowed emissions to air, groundwater and surface water. Depending on the farm situation an optimum combination of measures in relation to housing, slurry storage, slurry and fertiliser application, and composition of the ration can be taken. In general a better use of nutrients from animal manure by applying slurry with low emission techniques in the growing season and a reduction of the stocking rate by a higher milk production per cow are the most effective and cheapest measures to reach these targets. There is a quotation for milk production per farm. After a description of the reduction of nutrient losses on practical farms up till now, this paper presents the results of a case study on an intensive dairy farm, where a package of integrated measures has been introduced.