Loafing Lot Management


Purpose/Function:

The intent of this practice is to prevent manure and sediment runoff from entering watercourses and sensitive areas and to capture a portion of the manure as a resource for other uses such as crop fertilizer.

Initiation protocol:

Contact the local Soil Conservation District or University of Maryland Extension for assistance.

Public acceptance:

N/A

Implementation Factors (level of difficulty):

Moderate.

Funding Sources / Options:

Cost-share grants are available through the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program.

Costs:

Costs estimated as $ per acre of practice installed. 

Cost Estimates EPA MDA Average
Initial $8,802 $15,000 $11,901
Annual $- $- $-
Lifespan (yrs) 10 10 10
Annualized $880.20 $1,500 $1,190.10

Load Reduction Efficiency:

Average Total Nitrogen removed per acre of practice per year

Low

4.47 lbs.

Medium

25.69 lbs.

High

517.70 lbs.

Cost per pound removed = between $2 and $266

Average Total Phosphorous removed per acre of practice per year

Low

0.79 lbs.

Medium

3.93 lbs.

High

73.07 lbs.

Cost per pound removed = between $16 and $1,506

Average Total Suspended Solids removed per acre of practice per year

Low

13 lbs.

Medium

199 lbs.

High

1,625 lbs.

Cost per pound removed = between $0.73 ns $91.55

Planning Questions to Consider:

Unimproved loafing lots that are used for herd exercise and loafing are usually denuded of vegetation and harbour undesirable plants. Cost-share is authorized for watering facilities.

Technical Notes:

A management plan and practice design is to be developed with consultation from a qualified consultant, Maryland Cooperative Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service and/or Soil and Water Conservation District.

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