A step forward in farming without fertilizer

In the Achterhoek a special manure injector has been put into use that is suitable for the 'Green Meadow Fertilizer'. The machine can apply the fertilizer substitute made from animal manure in the country. "Farming without fertilizer is thus one step closer", claims the Groene Weide Fertilizer project.

The trial will investigate whether this fertilizer is better for the quality of the groundwater than artificial fertiliser. The trial is therefore subject to a European exemption from the guidelines until 2021. During this period, Wageningen University is conducting research into the extent to which this method of fertilization ensures cleaner groundwater. 

Close cycle
The agricultural entrepreneurs can also make the best possible use of the minerals from the animal manure, thereby further closing the cycle. By using less fertilizer, the province of Gelderland reports in a statement that less fertilizer has to be produced where CO₂ when released.

The machine was put into use by deputy Peter Drenth (of the province of Gelderland) and Marjolein Sonnema, the director of Agro at the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. The commissioner is enthusiastic about the trial: "This may well be the solution to the phosphate issue and the manure surplus," he says in the statement. "It is great that the ministry is giving the space to investigate this."

Livestock farmers are participating this year
Groot Zevert Vergisting in Beltrum has recently started producing the Groene Weide Fertilizer. This fertilizer is made from animal manure from the region. In addition to Groot Zevert, ForFarmers, Nijhuis Industries, Wageningen UR and LTO Noord are also involved in the development of the fertilizer. This year approximately 55 Achterhoek dairy farmers are participating, with a total of almost 600 hectares of grassland. The intention is that the trial will expand to 7.500 hectares with different crops in the coming years.

Eric the Thrush

Eric is a member of the editorial staff of Boerenbusiness. As a descendant of an arable family, farmer's blood flows through Eric's veins. He considers himself a generalist, but with a preference for economics, trends, markets and marketing.

e.delijster@boerenbusiness. Nl

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