Management of livestock manures in the Netherlands - the current situation

Abstract

he number of animals in livestock production has increased over the last 2-3 decades considerably. As a result especially on pig and poultry farms mineral surpluses have arisen. To regulate the number of animals manure production rights are introduced. Extension of a farm is only possible if manure production rights from other farms are purchased. The amount of manure allowed for land application is limited on base of its phosphorus content. The period of application is restricted to the growing season of the plants, e.g. March to September. The technique of application is restricted to those giving an abatement on the ammonia emission of a least 50 %. Storage tanks for manure have to be covered with a solid roof. Newly designed livestock buildings can obtain a Green Label, when the ammonia emission is 50 % or less as compared with a traditional system. Central processing of pig slurry has proven to be technical possible but under Dutch circumstances not economical feasible. Manure surpluses on farm level are eliminated by optimizing of the distribution system and feed alterations. The quality of chicken manure is improved by introduction of drying system in the livestock buildings. The central processing of veal calf manure based on water purification techniques is presently very successful with annual capacity exceeding 600.000 tons. The development of techniques, such as reverse osmosis or evaporation, for concentration of low solids containing manure looks so far promising for application on farm or regional level. Future legislation will focus on more tailor-made solutions on farm level. A detailed mineral book-keeping system will be introduced. Losses above the allowable level will be subject to severe taxes. This legislation is currently part of the political discussion.