Solid animal waste management
Management Activity
Solid animal waste refers to the manure that is generated by all farming enterprises involving animal stock. Usually it is only necessary to actively manage animal waste under intensive systems, such as piggeries, feedlots and chicken sheds or in and around dairies. Where manure becomes mixed with large quantities of water, management can often involve the use of settling ponds. Where manure is not mixed with large quantities of water, it can be used directly as a fertiliser or composted and then used as a fertiliser. Without proper management, solid animal wastes can have negative impacts on both soil and water resources.
The direct impacts of solid animal waste management may include:
- Soil nutrient build up
- Reduced water sediment load
- Reduced water faecal contamination
- Reduced water nutrient concentrations
The outputs of solid animal waste management may include:
- Compost and manure for use as fertiliser (See: Fertiliser application)
Last updated 7 September 2010
