News Manure
Schouten sniffs at above-ground manure
In a letter to Parliament, about the current affairs regarding manure policy, Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) writes that she is still not a fan of spreading cattle slurry above ground. This despite the granting of an exemption for 5 years. In 2019, further research will be conducted into the consequences for soil and emissions.
Spreading slurry above ground with the deflector plate has been top of their agenda since the foundation of the Association for the Preservation of Farmers and the Environment (VBBM). This year they received again for 1 years the permit to be allowed to do this under strict requirements.
Use above ground is not desirable
"From an environmental point of view, spreading slurry above ground is not desirable," writes Agriculture Minister Schouten in a statement. Letter to Parliament† The Soil Technical Committee (TCB) endorses this. They report that the emission of ammonia is greater than when injecting the manure. The nitrogen in this ammonia is thus not used in the cycle on the farm.
The VBBM farmers apply their own method to limit ammonia emissions. Erik Valk, the chairman of VBBM, lighted this last year when in the studio of Boerenbusiness† That is why, if they register in time, they are allowed to drive out above ground. Everything must also be verifiable from the point of view of enforcement.
New studies
"Before September 1, a plan for follow-up research will be drawn up with those involved, and in coordination with the TCB," writes Schouten. The effects of application above ground on soil life and the difference in ammonia emissions are examined. The effect on a regional scale is also assessed. The exemption will expire on January 1, 2021. Then the new Environment Act will come into effect, in which the exemption will be included.
University of Groningen published At the end of March, a scientific study into the consequences of the fertilizer injection for meadow birds. It was concluded that the bird population does indeed decrease when injecting. Because the sod is cut open, it dries out. This prevents worms from reaching the surface. This is just food for the meadow birds.
Rough manure best nutrition
The researchers from the University of Groningen compared slurry, rough manure and pure straw. This showed that mainly rough manure causes the worm population to grow. A diet of only slurry produced less growth. Both population growth and dehydration result in less meadow bird food. The groundwater level is raised to prevent the meadows from drying out. Since the top layer in particular dries out, it is concluded that this measure is not effective.
Niels van der Boom
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