Manure management is a crucial aspect of sustainable agriculture, impacting both productivity and environmental health. According to Eurostat’s 2020 agricultural census, 40% of farms across the European Union had manure storage facilities. While some countries have near-total adoption, others lag behind, highlighting disparities in agricultural infrastructure and environmental practices.
Manure Storage Across EU Countries
The adoption of manure storage facilities varies significantly among EU nations. Slovenia leads with nearly 100% of farms equipped with such infrastructure, followed closely by Latvia (98%) and Estonia (92%). In contrast, countries like Cyprus (7%), Greece (11%), and Italy (18%) report the lowest adoption rates, reflecting differences in agricultural practices and regulations.
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Types of Manure Storage Facilities
Among farms with manure storage infrastructure in 2020:
- 57% stored solid dung in designated facilities.
- 16% had covered liquid manure storage, minimizing environmental risks.
- 10% used deep litter systems for manure management.
- 6% had pits below animal confinement, integrating manure management into livestock housing.
- 5% stored liquid manure without cover, posing environmental concerns.
- 6% used other storage methods.
Decline in Uncovered Liquid Manure Storage and Environmental Benefits
Between 2010 and 2020, the use of uncovered liquid manure storage in the EU dropped by 5 percentage points. Open manure lagoons, tanks, and ponds contribute to ammonia (NH3) emissions and nutrient leaching, which can contaminate water sources.
Some countries have successfully eliminated uncovered manure storage facilities. The Netherlands and Malta, for instance, no longer have any farms utilizing this method. Other nations saw significant reductions, including Luxembourg (-43 pp), Ireland (-36 pp), Germany (-35 pp), and Belgium (-32 pp), indicating a positive shift towards better environmental practices.
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Countries Where Uncovered Manure Storage Is Increasing
Despite the overall decline, some EU nations have seen an increase in uncovered manure storage:
- Spain (+5 pp) and Estonia (+3 pp) reported the largest increases.
- Czechia (+0.4 pp), Bulgaria (+0.2 pp), and Italy (+0.1 pp) also showed slight upticks.
These trends highlight the need for continued efforts in promoting sustainable manure management and reducing environmental risks associated with uncovered storage.
Moving Towards Sustainable Manure Management
While manure storage facilities are widely adopted in the EU, disparities remain. The decline in uncovered liquid manure storage is a positive environmental trend, but increases in certain countries call for further regulations and awareness. Sustainable manure management is essential to reducing ammonia emissions and protecting water sources, ensuring that European agriculture remains both productive and environmentally responsible.
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Source : Eurostat
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