CRS-22 following recommendations for the future solution to the animal waste problem: (21) A. B. C. D. Considerable emphasis be given to the assessment of feasible ultimate disposal techniques for untreated solids and liquids as well as for the residues from waste treatment processes. All animal waste research and developmental projects (1) the effect of the costs of waste control and (2) the effect of the costs of animal production on the (3) the costs that will eventually be borne by the consumer, and (4) the probable need for subsidies to insure adequate animal waste control and abatement. Large scale animal production enterprises be con- be considered subject to State and Federal regulations That forward oriented review be conducted in five 12. How have Federal Government agencies contributed to minimizing The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health Education and Welfare and the Department of the Interior have all contributed substantially to research efforts to seek effective means of dealing with the animal waste problem. CRS-23 USDA action programs are directed toward (a) educa- of activities and considers incentive payments par- The objective of USDA's research program is to develop effective methods of treating and disposing of animal wastes through a number of methods, including lagoons, oxidation ditches, and application to cropland. Research is also being pursued to learn more about the quantity of animal wastes that may be applied to cropland without damage to crops or the land, as well as new methods of disposal. per Land application rates of feedlot wastes are highly varied and at the present time range from as little as five tons per acre year to as much as 300 tons per acre depending on the crops grown, the condition of the land, the kind of manure, and the use of the crop produced, whether for grain or forage. Where barnyard manures have been applied to crops, yields have not substantially increased when more than 6-10 tons per acre have been applied annually. It is probable that feedlot or liquid wastes could be applied at heavier rates than barnyard manure because of the lower soluble nitrogen content. Best results have been obtained when the manure is supplemented with phosphate fertilizer. 69-133 O 72 pt. 2 18 CRS-24 Excessive rates of manure addition may result in abnormal vegetative growth and lodging of some crops. Where drought or excessively wet soil conditions prevail during the growing season, the manure may not decompose and could result in production of compounds that are toxic to plants. Too much organic material in the root zone could result in drying of the soil so germanation and stand could be adversely affected. Pasture or silage crops produced on old feeding areas may contain so much nitrate that the feed is toxic to ruminants. Agronomists fre quently recommend that corn or sorghum produced on heavily manured areas should be harvested for grain. Crops for silage should be grown on soils receiving chemical fertilizers so the amount of nutrients available during the critical growing season can be more accurately controlled. (20) USDA's research programs with respect to animal wastes include finding uses of animal wastes for profit or at least on offsetting disposal costs. One example is the conversion of poultry feathers into protein feed. Research for both on-farm and off-farm uses and processes is likely to continue in the future. In this area of emphasis, action programs are generally in the form of technical assistance in the construction of processing facilities. USDA's research programs have also been directed toward developing more information concerning land use planning. This research is needed to develop acceptable techniques for protective zoning for agricultural production in the future. CRS-25 The United States Department of Agriculture administers the Rural Environmental Assistance Program (REAP), (formerly the Agricultural Conservation Program), authorized by the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act of February 29, 1936, through which the Federal Government shares with individual farmers, ranchers, and woodland owners the cost of carrying out soil, water, woodland, and wildlife conservation practices, including pollution control practices for agriculture. The Federal Government generally shares 50 per cent of the cost of carrying out approved practices. The Government's share of costs may range up to 80 percent for low-income farmers and for certain high priority practices and projects. The maximum Federal cost-share for a person during the program year is $2,500 (except pooling agreements, in which case the limitation is $10,000). This program is administered locally through County Offices of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, under the direction of ASC farmer committeemen. The final authorization for REAP for the 1971 program is $150 million. The advanced Congressional authorization for the 1972 program is $195.5 million. An important function of the Department of Health Education and Welfare in this area has been to provide educational materials, manuals and guides, for use by program administrators in dealing with off-farm problems of animal wastes, particularly in areas where waste disposal CRS-26 has resulted in conflicts between feedlot operators and nearby urban people. Under the DHEW programs technical assistance supported by organized training programs will be provided to interested control and health agencies. The DHEW's research programs have also been directed toward minimizing pollution by improved use of existing technology as well as by developing new and improved methods for converting wastes to useful products. This research includes "conversion of animal wastes to animal feed, soil conditioners or fertilizer carriers, and extraction of protein for use as a food supplement. The potential for reuse or recycling of these wastes is also studied." (1) The Department of the Interior has contributed substantially to the research effort to develop improved techniques of animal waste disposal in a manner to prevent air and water pollution. Water quality standards adopted by all 50 States Many of these projects are now centralized in the Environmental Protection Agency. |