https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/find-connect/projects/bovine-beef-innovation-network-europe
Well-managed composting and utilizing compost are useful tools in nutrient management plans, in order to reduce pollution potential and benefit crops. Instead of viewing manure as a waste, it can bee seen as a product able to substitute commercial fertilizer and as an economic resource in terms of saving. One the one hand, composting is an effective manure management tool that reduces volume, kills pathogens and weed seed and improves soil health and fertility. On the other hand, the most significant effect of compost application is the reduction of the chance to pollute surface water. For all these reasons, INTIA created a manure turning network with the necessary equipment and a team of advisors to supervise the work on those farms when necessary.
Implementation: In Navarra, a regulation was established requiring the establishment of a manure and slurry management plan and setting a maximum nitrogen contribution by zones. This led to consider manure as a quality fertilizer resource. In order to achieve this objective, the manure turning network was created, to allow to have a higher quality product and to reduce its volume for better handling and lower production costs.It was implemented 8 years ago with the joint work of farmers and advisors&researchers.
The opportunity to convert a residue in a useful product for farmers. The challenge was convincing farmers that what they used to consider a residue could become a product of significant agronomic value. The key success factors were gaining an experienced advisor team and the willingness of farmers.
Lessons learned
- Confindence & good relationship with farmers to develop common research
- Expererienced advisor team
- Knowledge about manure is essential
Impact
