Dairy Manure Management Perceptions and Needs in South American Countries

Abstract

Milk production is important in South American countries being based mainly on grazing systems. Dairy slurry management has become an important issue in these production systems because of the large volumes produced and the environmental effects. Thus, manure management regulations are emerging in the region. This research aims to identify priorities for management strategies and technology transfer by assessing perceptions, needs and barriers toward dairy manure management by stakeholders in South American countries. A questionnaire was prepared and distributed in Spanish and Portuguese in different formats: on paper and online (PDF format and SurveyMonkey TM platform) between March 2015-November 2017. It was divided into two sections, the first addressed issues related to water quality and pollution, odor generation, fertilizer value, pathogens impact and biogas production. Responses were measured across a standard 5-point Likert type scales. Section two addressed needs and hindrances concerning about manure application. A total of 593 surveys were completed: Argentina (n = 308, 52%), Brazil (n = 217, 37%) and Chile (n = 68, 11%). The majority of respondents were dairy farmers (31%), professional advisors and consultants (29%) and representatives of public institutions and researchers (31%). Some differences appear according the country. Overall, a large majority perceive that manure is a good fertilizer (91%), also they believe that it contributes to pathogen's transmission and groundwater and shallow aquifers 'contamination. Stakeholders (60%) perceived biogas production as a good option for manure treatment. Most of respondents (79%) would use manure to replace mineral fertilizers, with little differences between countries (Argentina 79%, Brazil 80% and Chile 68%). The most selected needs were: a management handbook, increased investment in equipment and technologies and better access to laboratory analysis. The most chosen barriers were: cumbersome management, lack of knowledge and of specific laws, with differences between countries and respondents. The survey showed interest in dairy manure management as a source of nutrients for grassland and crops, especially among farmers and advisors whom requested Herrero et al.South American Dairy Manure Management Perceptions guidelines for responsible management. Policymakers and stakeholders should focus on promoting manure reuse on dairy farms through incentives, technologies and/or appropriate strategies, in order to improve nutrient use and reduce pollution to the wider environment.

Manure recycling from urban livestock farms for closing the urban–rural nutrient loops

“…Urban agriculture and nutrient balances Urban livestock farms are important for providing nutritious food, jobs and income, but the environmental costs of manure nutrient accumulation and soil and water pollution, and the risks of pathogen transfer and zoonosis are relatively high (Steinfield et al 2010;Herrero et al 2018;Khumalo and Sibanda 2019). Both, its importance and the concerns are increasing, because urbanization is increasing, and associated with changes toward more animal-sourced diets.…”

“…In the end, it requires also careful monitoring and control. Thus, policymakers and stakeholders should promote manure reuse through incentives, technologies and appropriate strategies and policies, to improve nutrient use and reduce the pollution of the environment (Herrero et al 2018).…”

“…This transfer contributes to nutrient accumulation in urban areas (Yu et al 2017;Zhu et al 2017) and to nutrient depletion in rural areas, especially when animal manure and human wastes from urban and peri-urban areas are not recycled back to rural areas (Goulding et al 2008;Jones et al 2013). The accumulation of manure and human waste in urban and peri-urban areas contributes to a range of unwanted human health and environmental effects (Herrero et al 2018).…”

“…There is lack of knowledge and information, and there are cultural barriers for recycling wastes. Moreover, governmental policies and regulations for manure collection and recycling are lacking (Komakech 2014;Tadesse et al 2018) or incipient (Herrero et al 2018) in developing countries. This leads to accumulation of nutrients in urban and peri-urban areas, and to pollution and eutrophication of rivers and lakes (Yu et al 2017).…”

Diagnóstico ambiental em uma empresa de laticínios baseado em indicadores ambientais

“…A utilização em subprodutos é uma tendência em ascensão no setor de laticínios, pois contém grande quantidade de matéria orgânica e essa riqueza de nutrientes propicia seu uso como fertilizante. A disposição é altamente benéfica para a cultura vegetal, por elevar a qualidade do solo através de água e nutrientes (Herrero et al, 2018;Gray, 2004).…”