Overview of the Advances in Environmental Chemistry of Animal Manure.

There is an increasing environmental concern over animal manure due to the volumes produced in modern intensified animal production. However, animal manure is traditionally regarded as a valuable resource of plant nutrients.  Although research on environmental impacts of animal manure and associated best management practices is abundant, only about 5 percent of U.S. cropland is currently fertilized with livestock manure.  Recent legislation directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to evaluate the role of animal manure as a source of fertilizer, and other uses. To reach this goal, accurate and insightful knowledge of the environmental chemistry of animal manure is needed. Consequently,  a book is under development to review current advances in the environmental chemistry of animal manure. This project covers organic matter characterization, nitrogen and volatile compounds, phosphorus forms and lability, and heavy metals and environmental concerns in 18 titles contributed by accomplished experts in these fields. Insight from these reviews should stimulate new research ideas, and promote applications of the knowledge derived from basic research to the development and improvement of sustainable manure management strategies.