Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Livestock excrement a renewable resource, group says

    The Network on Recycling of Agricultural, Municipal and Industrial Residues in Agriculture organized its 15th International Conference in Versailles, France in June. More than 250 attendees, researchers and stakeholders gathered to learn and debate the most recent advances in organic residues management and recycling in agriculture.
    The conference reviewed research on ecosystem services related to organic residue recycling in cultivated fields, the fate of organic pollutants in soil-water-plant-air systems, the integration of organic residues in cropping practices, manure management and treatments processes for agriculture and for energy production. The group concluded that animal excreta should be considered as renewable resources for the soil and for biogas production rather than as waste. This creates a more sustainable animal production system. Though heavy metals pose a risk of contamination, European regulation has almost eliminated the risk, according to the network.
    Animine, a French-based mineral supplier, also presented siMMin, software developed with the support of the French National Institute for Agricultural Research. The tool measures the effect of zinc in pig feeding programs, the total quantity of excreted zinc and on zinc concentration in pig manure. Pig producers and feed manufacturers can simulate any change in diet formulation on the environment and on the value of manure when utilized as fertilizer. siMMin is online since January 2013, and is free to all.

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