Process-based Nutrient Modeling of Confined Beef Cattle Systems in the Northern Great Plains 

The goal of this research project is to investigate the systematic effects of different scenarios of beef cattle housing, manure management and land application in the Northern Great Plains for N and P compounds. This research will enhance emission estimating and nutrient management methodologies and practices. The specific objectives are to: (1) Refine and evaluate a process-based model that estimates the fate of N and P for confined beef cattle housing/manure management methods of the Northern Great Plains region, including bedded manure pack and deep pit manure storage in monoslope or hoop-style buildings; (2) Refine and evaluate a process-based model that estimates the N and P availability and losses from land-applied solid beef cattle manure (with and without bedding); and (3) Evaluate housing/manure management and land application scenarios for N and P fate through the farm system under variable climatic conditions.