Manure is a valuable resource that should be managed efficiently to make use of its valuable nutrients and to minimise losses. Manure Standards project compiled a new handbook for farmers and advisor organisations on good manure management practices based on project results and previous experiences in the consortium. The handbook serves as an easy-to-read material also for other stakeholders from policy to agricultural education.
Manure is the most abundant nutrient resource in the Baltic Sea region. Thus, efficient manure management is the key to successful nutrient recycling, preserving phosphorus resources for future generations as well as reducing nutrient losses to surface and ground waters and to the atmosphere as greenhouse gases and ammonia.
The new handbook summarises in 16 pages why nutrient recycling is essential in farms, and advises on how nutrient losses can be prevented or minimised in each step of the manure handling chain. The handbook directs how to plan fertilisation according to crops’ needs and soil fertility as well as gives recommendations on the best spreading technologies. Information on calculating nutrient balances and on manure processing technologies are also included.
The handbook is targeted especially to farmers and farmer advisor organisations. However, it serves as an easy-to-read material also for other interested audiences from policy-makers to agricultural education providers.
Download the handbook by clicking the picture. If you are interested in the printed version, contact Susanna Kaasinen (susanna.kaasinen(a)helcom.fi).