Back B. Le Houerou and M. Benoit
National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA), Mirecourt, France
Full Paper (PDF File: 40KB)
Abstract
Research was initiated in 1991 to develop more effective systems for managing
manure on dairy farms that would decrease the risks of water pollution
and increase the application and utilization efficiency for a more sustainable
agriculture. Two groups of farmers were involved in the study: those managing
biological farms and those associated with an agricultural cooperative
designated as CUMA. The study focused on conducting an initial survey of
current on-farm animal waste management practices; implementing changes
in management practices recommended from on-farm research or from research
stations; and, monitoring the operational results of the new management
practices. The results of the new composition strategy indicated that the
following improvements are possible: a) decreased weight - the weight of
farmyard manure to be transported to fields can be decreased from 40 to
60 percent by composting, and nitrogen leaching during the composting process
is minimal; b) decreased spreading rate - the compost application rate
can be lower than uncomposted material because of its greater density,
improved fluidity and homogeneity; c) increased area of application - composting
the manure has allowed an increase in the spreading zone from 455 to 1100
hectares; and, d) more acceptable spreading dates - composting allows a
more efficient utilization of manure as a biofertilizer and soil conditioner.
Compost production can be precisely scheduled for when it is needed in
the field for various crops and farming operations.