Slurry store justification

[Tim1989]

Hi I’m looking for some information with facts and figures on to justify the benefits of pig/dairy cow slurry & muck on arable crops So we can help justify building a slurry store on a contracted farmed arable land Can anyone help? Thanks

 

[ollie989898]

If you build a slurry store and are able to apply slurry to land in spring or autumn, you will be saving N,P and K, potentially a lot of P and K. In fact, I would go so far as to suggest you might not ever

Your calculations might also figure in if you are paid to take liquid digestate (or slurry, actually) into the store and then dispose of it from there.

Don't try to factor in getting better crops into the equation, though you will certainly see that benefit in time.

 

[Tim1989]

If you build a slurry store and are able to apply slurry to land in spring or autumn, you will be saving N,P and K, potentially a lot of P and K. In fact, I would go so far as to suggest you might not ever

Your calculations might also figure in if you are paid to take liquid digestate (or slurry, actually) into the store and then dispose of it from there.

Don't try to factor in getting better crops into the equation, though you will certainly see that benefit in time.

We do apply slurry and muck currently on the maize and grass in the rotation so we fully realise the benefits But looking for facts to give the owners for the cost of erecting a store

 

[crashbox]

We do apply slurry and muck currently on the maize and grass in the rotation so we fully realise the benefits But looking for facts to give the owners for the cost of erecting a store

You can value the N, P, K and S by using RB209 book values (kg/m3 available to the next crop) and equating them £££ using this year's (or longer term) fertiliser prices.

However, remember to factor in the cost of spreading (e.g. tractor+stirrer and tractor+tanker at £50+ per hour each, don't know umbilical costs) and unless umbilical, compaction issues.

And factor in if you have to pay to receive the slurry, unless you are expecting people to bring it to you for free?

Ultimately I have found the cost does not add up on NPKS alone, unless you have a business need to store utilise the slurry (e.g. you are the livestock farmer).

Muck (farmyard manure) is a different matter, as adds more organic matter (humus) and does not require a store.

I should add I will be very pleased if someone here can prove me wrong.

 

[Tim1989]

Thank you I’ll look at that