U.S. Biodiversity Loss – The Numbers
What is the status of biodiversity loss in the U.S.? NatureServe estimates that 34% of plant species and 40% of animal species in the U.S. are at risk of extinction. The organization also estimates that 41% of ecosystems are at risk of range-wide collapse.[1,2] NatureServe is a non-profit that collects data from a network of […]
Chemical Fertilizer Use on Feed Crops
KEY POINTS – Chemical Fertilizer Use on Feed Crops 1. About 50% of all U.S. nitrogen applications and ~75% of all phosphorus are used on corn and soybeans, the primary feed crops. 2. About a third of all U.S. nitrogen use and almost half of all phosphorus is applied to the share of corn & […]
Biodiversity Loss Overview
What is biodiversity? There are many definitions for biodiversity (short for biological diversity), and they vary. Based on the 3 definitions below, we propose the following: Biodiversity encompasses all life on earth including its forms, abundance, distributions, interactions, and variations over time. “The sum total of all of the plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms on […]
Overview of Chemical Fertilizers
Why is it important to analyze the usage of chemical fertilizers on feed crops? Chemical fertilizers are a significant and persistent source of environmental damage. They are a primary cause of nutrient pollution. According to the EPA, nutrient pollution from excess nitrogen and phosphorus is “one of America’s most widespread, costly, and challenging environmental problems.”[1] […]
Chemical Fertilizer & Pesticide Takeaways
Chemical Fertilizer & Pesticide Takeaways Takeaways are key points detailed and referenced in the Chemical Fertilizer & Pesticide section Fertilizer Use Chemical fertilizers are one of the two leading sources of nutrient pollution, which is the primary cause of impairment to U.S. waterways; factory farm manure is the other source. Corn and soybeans together account […]
Slaughterhouse Water Regulations
Does the EPA regulate water discharge from meat and poultry processors (MPP)? Yes. Meat and poultry slaughterhouses, processors, and independent renderers (together referred to as Meat and Poultry Processors or MPP) that directly discharge wastewater to waters of the U.S. are point sources under the Clean Water Act and must obtain permits established by the […]
The Takeaways (Drivers of Biodiversity Loss)
The Takeaways (Drivers of Biodiversity Loss) Takeaways are key points detailed and referenced in the Water Pollution section Biomass of Land Animals The huge inventory of factory farmed animals requires an immense share of land, water, and fertile soil, forcing all other species to fight for survival on steadily smaller shares. Globally, the biomass (aggregated […]
Animal Ag Externalities
How many negative externalities of industrial animal ag are there? There are dozens, perhaps hundreds, of negative externalities of industrial animal ag. Negative externalities are documented on most of the pages of this site.[1] This section, unlike most others on the site, includes some answers that are only lightly referenced. Some of these subjects are […]
Slaughterhouse Line Speeds
5 KEY POINTS – Slaughterhouse Line Speeds 1. The term line speed usually refers to the slaughter line (aka evisceration line) and the rate at which animals are slaughtered. The USDA sets an upper limit for this line based on the maximum number of animals for which inspectors can conduct the required post-mortem examination. 2. […]
NPDES for CAFOs
What is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)? The NPDES is a program enacted by the EPA pursuant to the Clean Water Act to regulate pollutants discharged from “point sources” into waters of the United States.[1] An NPDES permit is a license for a facility to discharge a specified amount of a pollutant into […]