The management of livestock manure in Norway

Abstract

Based on the present nutrient situation in watercourses, Norway has a serious nitrogen-to-saltwater problem and a serious phosphorus-to-freshwater problem. In addition, the ammonia-to-air problem is of importance. In livestock regions 85-90% of the farmland is used for grass production. This represent a challenge for manure management. The main reasons for the pollution problems from manure are; the farmer does not know the exact amount of manure required nor the effect of nutrients in the applied manure; overloading of mineral fertilizer, especially nitrogen, is common; 7-8,000 manure stores are in need of repair or are too small, 2-3 % of the livestock farms lack sufficient area for applying manure. As the majority of the farms have a balanced manure supply to their land, improved application is more important than treatments to prevent environmental problems. A new technology for slurry injection into grassland, called DGI® Direct Ground Injection, represents an important step forward in predicting the nitrogen effect, minimizing the ammonia emission, and making the application onto grassland more attractive. A slurry meter for on-line monitoring of the applied amounts per hectare makes it easier to dose the nutrient supply according to requirement of the grassland or crop.