Livestock Nutrient Reduction Project

A Level III Feedlot Inventory in the West Fork Des Moines River Watershed identified the need for a new manure storage basin. The Heron Lake Watershed District will be partnering with Murray County, Murray Soil and Water Conservation District, and Southwest Prairie Technical Service Area to construct the basin to ensure that manure and milk house wastewater will be properly stored. In addition, the project will decrease the size and usage of open lots using buffer strip and pasture to significantly reduce nutrient loading. Estimated annual nutrient reductions from the project include 461 pounds of Nitrogen, 120 pounds of Phosphorous, and a substantial reduction of fecal coliform bacteria.