The UNH Organic Dairy Research Farm ODRF Ecosystem: Nitrogen Cycle

1
The UNH Organic Dairy Research Farm (ODRF)
Ecosystem Nitrogen Cycle Gabriel Perkins Dr.
John Aber
The Purpose of this study was to identify the
major flows of nitrogen within the ODRF, with the
idea that this information would provide insight
on the necessary steps for, and potential of,
creating an increasingly self-sustaining system.
Located on the Burley-Demeritt Farm in Lee, New
Hampshire, the ODRF is the first land-grant
institution operated, commercial-scale, research
organic dairy in the country.
http//www.organicdairy.unh.edu/index.html

• The major nitrogen flows at ORDF include
• Milk
• Hay
• Silage
• Baleage
• Forage
• Manure
• Grain
• And Feed Additives

As with any study, there are areas within this
meta-analysis that need further attention. My
data highlights a loss of 8,277.5 kgN/yr, which
would have to be accounted for to achieve
sustainability. Further research should focus on
the extent and impact of nitrogen fixation within
the Forage crops and the cows rumen.