BMP Challenge for REduced Nitrogen

In AFT's Chesapeake Bay demonstration program, we're working with farmers in the Lower Susquehanna River watershed to voluntarily reduce the use of nutrients on their farms. Building on our successful BMP Challenge for Nutrient Management , we're testing aggressive reductions in nutrient use with farmers who go up to 15 percent below the recommended BMP rates.

Our pilot BMP Challenge for Reduced Nutrients in Pennsylvania has helped nearly 20 farmers achieve reduce close to 100,000 pounds of nitrogen on over 3,600 acres.

At a cost of less than $3 per lb of nitrogen reduction, AFT's BMP Challenge for Reduced Nutrients is over 30 percent below the cost estimated by the Chesapeake Bay Commission for nutrient management to protect and improve water quality. 

The program’s potential for large-scale impact is great. Based on the results of the first two years, if the program were expanded statewide and all estimated 1.4+ million acres of corn participated, Pennsylvania could meet one third of its nitrogen reduction commitment under the Chesapeake 2000 agreement at a cost-effective price.