Material From Original Gov't Discussion Paper
[ Summary of Policy adn experience of Denmark from original discussion papersource#1, Experiences elsewhere p.2-3 ]Denmark is one-fifth the size of Manitoba but produces approximately the same number of hogs as all of Canada. Approximately 62 per cent of the land is devoted to agriculture with less than half of that seeded to annual crops.
Danish manure policy controls the input and use of nitrogen from both manure and commercial fertilizers. Phosphorous is not currently considered a problem but is being monitored.
Livestock production is generally limited to the land’s capacity to produce feed. Nitrogen input standards are defined for each farm and piece of land, and are divided according to crop type, soil type and microclimate. Farmers must dispose of surplus manure in the neighborhood of the farm on a contract basis. Each year approximately 60,000 Danish farms provide the government with a fertilization plan, including a government-established quota for commercial fertilizer. The plans are subject to audit and a fine is imposed for excess nitrogen.
Manure may only be applied to unfrozen cropland from February 1 to September 30, and to grassland from July 1 to September 30. Incorporation must take place within 12 hours of application. Manure storage facilities are legally required to have nine months of storage capacity.
Lessons learned:
- The delicate balance between nutrient inputs from manure and fertilizer, and nutrient exports from crop and livestock production, becomes increasingly difficult to maintain as sustainable productive capacity is approached. Annual planning is essential.
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Material From "Common Ground" Government Report
Other Material and References