Get the upper crust with slurry

Thursday 11 March 2010

ALLOWING a crust to form on a slurry lagoon or tank is a cost-free method of reducing emissions while storing manure and slurry, and will help get more nutrients from your muck into your soils and crops, according to the latest information from DairyCo.

“Allowing a crust to form on your slurry was previously considered poor management,” says DairyCo extension officer Chris Coxon, “but it’s now accepted that a manageable crust helps prevent greenhouse gases and ammonia escaping, and enables more efficient use of nutrients.

“A crust has been shown to reduce NH₃ (ammonia) emissions by up to 50%,” says Chris. “Keep an eye on it though, because if it gets too thick it can be difficult to break up when it’s time to empty the tank or lagoon.

“Good muck and slurry management is key to reducing harmful emissions of nitrous oxide, ammonia and methane. And by keeping as many of the nutrients as possible locked up in the manure, farmers can boost its fertiliser value and increase their grass and crop yields. It is a win-win for everyone.”