EPA, ARS study winter manure spreading

Chicago-Spreading manure on farms during the winter – a popular agriculture practice which opponents say increases risks of water pollution – is getting a closer look by both USDA and EPA. A joint study by EPA’s Region 5 and Office of Research and Development and USDA’s Agricultural Research Service has been underway since February at several small experimental watersheds at a USDA research facility near Coshocton, Ohio. Results are expected to be published next year. “The purpose is to improve the science used to make decisions about the safety of winter manure spreading,” said EPA Regional Water Division Director Jo-Lynn Traub. “The agencies are trying to balance environmental protection with the needs of farmers.” Mark Weltz, ARS national program leader for hydrology and remote sensing, added, “The focus of ARS scientists is to develop economical and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices that enhance soil and water quality.”