Management of livestock manure in Germany - a brief overview

Abstract

Livestock is an important part of German agriculture. More than 65 % of the financial proceeds of agriculture are currently made by animal production. Because of the increase in the numbers of animals from 1960 to 1990 on one hand and the rise in intensive livestock farming in some regions of Germany on the other, environmental pollution risks have become more evident. This paper describes the current situation of livestock farming, the main legal aspects concerning manuring and selected research projects. The main emphasis has been put on impacts of livestock on environment, followed by a discussion about useful solutions to prevent pollution risks.