Nitrogen Manifesto: 10 points for healthy agriculture

The nitrogen crisis has been launched on a grand scale by the cabinet. Too big, in my opinion with unattainable goals. Perhaps the government hopes to solve its own legally created nitrogen crisis with a shock effect. The cabinet is taking a big risk with this, because with the angry reactions from the field, the genie is out of the bottle. But what next?

Sooner or later you will have to go back to the core of the problem and find solutions with sufficient support. In my view, the core is animal manure and not the number of cows, calves, pigs and chickens. Manure is the origin of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, nitrate and phosphate. Emissions of these substances from manure into the air and into the water must be further reduced for better environmental quality and nature.

Important results have already been achieved in recent decades. Ammonia emissions in agriculture have already decreased by 1990% between 2019 and 68. In pig farming, ammonia emissions even fell by 83% in that period and in poultry farming by 65%. In dairy farming, especially through low-emission manure application, ammonia formation has been reduced by 67%. The ammonia task in this sector mainly lies in stables and manure storage facilities. With a derogation, there is no longer any question of a national manure surplus. Many commercial applications have been developed for manure disposal.

After more than 40 years of knowledge and work experience, I wanted to write a book about the solution-oriented approach to the manure problem with my vision for the future. There was no longer enough interest for this. Instead, I drew up a short Manure Manifesto at the beginning of this year. The manifesto contains 10 related points with the aim of a discussion or search for a healthy agriculture with sustainable solutions. The 10 points from the Manure Manifest or, as you prefer, the 'Nitrogen Manifesto' are:

1. Provide a long-term vision and policy
2. At company level, an integrated and coherent approach offers many opportunities for reducing emissions of ammonia, greenhouse gases, nitrate and phosphate and for new fertilizer products.
3. Biogas from manure contributes to the energy transition and reduces emissions
4. Where possible, replace fertilizer with animal manure (fertilizer substitutes)
5. Stimulate innovations for fertilizer applications and emission reductions
6. There is sufficient space for responsible manure disposal
7. Make sure that the manure can and may go where it is needed
8. Fertilizer pellets (photo) give the fertilizer market a solid commercial foundation
9. Ensure adequate legislation, workable procedures and permits
10. Good company information and guidance is necessary and may cost money

Long-term perspective is essential for investments in future-proof low-emission livestock farming. Innovative livestock farming and the market then determine its implementation.

Jaap Uenk

Jaap Uenk is the owner of consultancy Mestem and has more than 40 years of experience in various positions in the Dutch fertilizer sector.

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