Baltic Manure – farmer’s amber!

Research in this work package aims at an advanced understanding of the properties of different manure types and their value as a fertilizer before and after processing.

As a result of this work package, existing standards for manure will be evaluated and new standards for manure types established to achieve a safe and sustainable agricultural use of manure as well as processed manure products in the Baltic Sea Region. Special emphasis will be put on phosphorus (P) since this essential nutrient is a limited, non-renewable resource and high concentrations of P in surface waters are a major contributor to eutrophication.

The kick-off workshop was a great success. It gathered 45 participants from all the 18 participating partners from 8 countries. Baltic Manure contributes to the overall goal as a flagship project of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The strategic objective of the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-13 is to make the Baltic Sea Region an attractive place to invest, work and live in. Baltic Manure is supported with a total budget of 3.7 million Euro.

Baltic Manure improves the existing knowledge base on manure handling and use, aiming at common manure standards. Policy recommendations developed will enhance an advanced agronomical and environmentally sound manure management in the region. Manure resources (nutrients and energy) will be utilized more efficiently and new technologies and business activities developed in the field. Five technical themes will be treated in the project:

1. Innovative technology for animal feeding and housing, processing, storage and spreading of manure
2. Standardisation of manure types with special emphasis on phosphorus challenge
3. Assessing sustainability of manure technology chains
4. Energy potentials of manure
5. Business innovation
The project is part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund and European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument).
Contact person at JKI:
Dr. Silvia Haneklaus, Phone: +49 (0) 531 596 2121, silvia.haneklaus@jki.bund.de