ABSTRACT: Whole farm nutrient budgets (WFNB) enable producers to link dairy herd management with traditional field nutrient management plans. The objective of this study was to calculate WFNBs of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N, P, and K) at a commercial farm in New Brunswick and in Prince Edward Island. Reliable estimates of N fixation from alfalfa and red clover on the farms were obtained with adjustments to the Høgh-Jensen et al. (2004) dry matter conversion models. The farms had surpluses of N, P, and K. Both farms imported feed as well as nutrient inputs for crop production. Surpluses of all nutrients were typical in comparison to WFNBs of similar dairy farms; however, the nutrient use efficiencies were low. The imported manure and fertilizer used in the crop production components contributed to surpluses of N and P which could likely be reduced to improve overall farm nutrient use efficiency.

Agricultural Systems, Second Edition, is a comprehensive text for developing sustainable farming systems. It presents a synthetic overview of the emerging area of agroecology applications to transforming farming systems and supporting rural innovation, with particular emphasis on how research can be harnessed for sustainable agriculture. The inclusion of research theory and examples using the principles of cropping system design allows students to gain a unique understanding of the technical, biological, ecological, economic and sociological aspects of farming systems science for rural livelihoods. This book explores topics such as: re-inventing farming systems; principles and practice of agroecology; agricultural change and low-input technology; ecologically-based nutrient management; participatory breeding for developing improved and relevant crops; participatory livestock research for development; gender and agrarian inequality at the local scale; the nature of agricultural innovation; and outreach to support rural innovation. The extensive coverage of subjects is complemented with integrated references and a companion website, making this book essential reading for courses in international agricultural systems and management, sustainable agricultural management, and cropping systems. This book will be a valuable resource for students of agricultural science, environmental engineering, and rural planning; researchers and scientists in agricultural development agencies; and practitioners of agricultural development in government extension programs, development agencies, and NGOs. - Provides students with an enhanced understanding of how research can be harnessed for sustainable agriculture - Incorporates social, biological, chemical, and geographical aspects important to agroecology - Addresses social and development issues related to farming systems

The purpose of the Whole Farm Nutrient Balance Spreadsheet is to estimate an individual farm's nutrient balance by identifying the sources of nutrient inputs and outputs. This measure provides and "environmental yardstick" for measuring nutrient performance of a livestock or poultry farm. (Page [1])

The use of organic management practices in field cropping continues to rise globally, and these methods have proven to be a viable way to produce food with reduced resource use and environmental damage. Managing Energy, Nutrients, and Pests in Organic Field Crops challenges the popular misconception that organic systems are weak at managing energy,