Applied and environmental chemistry of animal manure: A review

Authors: He, Zhongqi; PAGLIARI, PAULO - University Of Minnesota; Waldrip, Heidi

Submitted to: Pedosphere
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/25/2016
Publication Date: 11/1/2016
Citation: He, Z., Pagliari, P.H., Waldrip, H.M. 2016. Applied and environmental chemistry of animal manure: A review. Pedosphere. 26:779-816.

Interpretive Summary: By definition, animal manure is discarded animal excreta (urine and feces) and bedding materials, which is usually applied to soils as a fertilizer for agricultural production. Animal manure may also contain dropped feed, scurf, water and soil per livestock management practices. Increased and updated knowledge of modern techniques in applied and environmental chemistry of animal manure are needed to improve utilization of animal manure and minimize adverse environmental concerns. This review synthesized and analyzed the basic knowledge and applied studies of manure organic matter, phosphorus and nitrogen, with particular focus on accomplishments during the last five years. As manure chemistry is in a dynamic mode, this review also presents a few notable challenges that require close attention in future manure research. This work may contribute to the global effort in sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture by stimulating new ideas and directions in animal manure research, and 2) promoting application of knowledge and insight derived from manure research into improved manure management strategies.

Technical Abstract: Animal manure consists of predominantly urine and feces, but also may contain bedding materials, dropped feed, scurf and other farming wastes. The estimated amount of manure produced in 12 major livestock producing countries is 9 x109 Mg of manure annually. Manures are rich in plant nutrients. However, manure is also considered as an environmental pollutant when it is over-applied to cropland or following runoff into surface water. Thus, increased and updated knowledge of applied and environmental chemistry of animal manure is needed to shed light on the research and development on utilization of animal manure and minimization of its adverse environmental concerns. This work reviews the advances in basic and applied studies of manure major components—organic matter, phosphorus, and nitrogen, primarily related to US livestock production. This work may contribute to the global effort in sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture by stimulating new ideas and directions in animal manure research, and 2) promoting application of knowledge and insight derived from manure research into improved manure management strategies.