Swine manure management systems in Missouri

Abstract

"Livestock manure is a potential source of surface and groundwater contamination. Modern livestock production, confining herds in smaller spaces, has increased problems associated with disposing and making use of manure. Properly handled and used, manure may be an asset; otherwise, it is a liability. Spreading manure on land recycles nutrients and replaces much commercial fertilizer. It increases the fertility and water-holding capacity of the soil and also improves soil tilth, bulk density, infiltration rate and permeability. Collecting, storing, hauling and applying manure to fields generally represents net production costs, but is usually the least-cost system for livestock manure utilization." -- page 1