The dairy BIFS project helps dairy farmers make efficient use of manure to fertilize forage crops. This practice enhances water quality and reduces groundwater pollution by minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers. (photo by Marco Barzman)

In California's Central Valley, dairy manure has been identified as a source of nitrate that contributes to groundwater pollution. The Dairy BIFS project encourages dairy farmers to manage manure as a valuable source of nutrients for forage crops used in the same dairy. This reduces environmental pollution while decreasing dairy production costs. Participating farmers have been able to drastically reduce and in some cases, completely forego, the application of synthetic nitrogen to their crops without affecting yield. Recent results indicate a substantial reduction in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus inputs without reductions in yield. Dairy BIFS Project Web Site.