The manure is returned to the soil right away. Milk and meat leave the farm. In replacement, the cows will receive purchased concentrates along with bedding and supplementary forages for use during the winter months which were derived elsewhere. The net effect is nearly balanced extraction and replenishment of soil nutrients for the farm over the long term without much commercial fertilizer being used. Soil pH is the most likely condition requiring management with purchased fertilizer.
Soil testing is recommended to monitor other nutrients.
Commercial plant growth fertilizers will seldom be needed. However, forage micronutrient deficiencies for the cows will probably need correction either through soil fertilization or in the concentrate ration provided for the cows. Drinking Water Cows require great volumes of water to produce milk. When cows are grazing, the moisture content of the ration is naturally greater than would be found with drylot rations, but cows still need great amounts of drinking water. It is far better to supply drinking water in the pasture rather than have the cows return to the barn to drink.