Reuse of Animal Manure: A Case Study on Stakeholders’ Perceptions about Pelletized Compost in Northwestern Italy

Abstract

Abstract:The present study aimed at investigating perceptions and preferences about the use and the chemical characteristics of pellets made from composted animal manure in a sample of Italian farmers and agricultural advisors (Piedmont region, Northwestern Italy). The study encompassed two different steps: At first, the participants were administered a questionnaire about their actual use of pellets and preferences about their chemical characteristics. Then, a subgroup participated into a hands-on experience with different pelletized animal manures and some final questions. Concerning the use of pellets made from composted animal manure, even if the participants affirmed to be interested in using organic pellets and declared to own the appropriate equipment needed for their application, the results indicated that pelletized compost utilization had not yet become a common practice for agricultural crops. The obtained results highlighted a lack of knowledge, especially among farmers, about the importance of some chemical properties of this pelletized organic material. The participants, both farmers and advisors, were particularly attracted by the total nitrogen content of organic pelletized fertilizers, probably because the supplying of nutrients, nitrogen particularly, is the function of fertilizers they were interested in the most due to its direct connection with crop production. The hands-on session allowed the participants to better understand the benefits of the principal chemical properties-organic matter and carbon to nitrogen ratio-of pelletized animal manure compost. On the other hand, organic matter content and carbon to nitrogen ratio, more related with biological fertility and biodiversity of soils, are immediately less interesting and, as the hands-on experience pointed out, require more effort to be appreciated by agricultural operators. Targeted information campaigns and training activities may be developed among the agricultural community to make them aware of the importance of increasing soil organic matter content, and the possible use of pelletized composted animal manure. Further studies should be addressed toward gaining more insights into the beneficial effects of the information and training activities for pelletized compost adoption.

Impacts of different organic amendments on soil degradation and phytotoxicity of metribuzin

“…The fact that there are microorganisms that are able to metabolize metribuzin in field soil, and organic amendments such as compost and manure may stimulate their activity, suggests that it may be possible to influence the fate and degradation of metribuzin and other chemicals applied to soil, but are difficult to adopt on large surfaces because the difficulties, and the costs to transport the product from the area where it is available to those where it can be applied to soil and the difficulties in application itself (Pampuro et al 2017b). An additional obstacle to adoption of organic amendments is the farmers' knowledge and awareness about the effects of such products in improving biological characteristics of soil (Pampuro et al 2018). The present study suggests that application of non-chemical amendments can lead to faster removal of metribuzin in soil environment.…”

Recycling Agricultural Wastes and By-products in Organic Farming: Biofertilizer Production, Yield Performance and Carbon Footprint Analysis

“…The farmers knowledge on how apply organic fertilizers and their possible positive effects (e.g., soil health, suppressiveness, environmental benefits, etc.) is crucial [17]. Hence, soil application of this biofertilizer needs a higher farmer's expertise, to synchronize the mineralization rate with the plant growth, reducing the risk of leaching of excess N.…”

Gaseous Emissions after Soil Application of Pellet Made from Composted Pig Slurry Solid Fraction: Effect of Application Method and Pellet Diameter

“…Moreover, the studies conducted by Alemi et al [17] and Romano et al [18] highlighted that pelletizing promote the concentration of the nutrients available in the SF improving its fertilizing and amending properties. This process has also the potential for creating a new market for pelletized pig slurry SF, when the properties of this material and the benefits related to biological fertility and biodiversity of soils will be better known among potential users [19].…”