Research project Decision tool for manure management
INNOVATIVE DECISION-MAKING TOOL FOR DEFINING THE MOST SUITABLE MANURE MANAGEMENTSTRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE A SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK FARMING SYSTEM DURING THE WHOLE VALUECHAIN [NUTRITIVE]
General introduction
What are the most efficient and sustainable European manure management strategies for livestock farming at the farm level, taking into account environmental, economic and social requirements? Researchers in the NUTRITIVE project are answering this question by developing a decision tool. The ultimate goal is to limit air, water and soil pollution from the manure chain. The aim is also to provide data and recommendations that support policy makers to translate the requirements of a future European policy into workable directives with renewed knowledge.
Research approach
We identify the most promising strategies in manure management by first making an inventory of existing and experimental solutions throughout the manure chain. We take into account different types of livestock farming across Europe. The contaminants in water and soil are quantified through at least 35 case studies in different farms and under new management strategies. In the case of air emissions, modeling is done. The outcome of the inventory and of the experimental studies provides the necessary data for a life cycle assessment (LCA) capable of determining the stability of a manure management strategy, taking into account temporal variations and also predicting scenarios. Based on such a powerful LCA methodology, we can formulate guidelines and policy recommendations to implement the (best) manure management strategies (DSS tool).
Relevance/Valorization
We expect that NUTRITIVE will promote and optimize technologishe development by providing a DSS tool to show decision makers the knowledge-based path to feasible solutions for livestock farms and their manure management. We also expect to contribute to the reduction of contaminants from the agricultural sector in Europe. After all, producing and disseminating up-to-date scientific knowledge on manure management to the relevant stakeholders increases the effectiveness of certain strategies throughout the manure chains.
Financing
EU Horizon Europe
