Aeration and Slurrigation of Slurry Separated from Dairy Cattle Manure

Abstract

The use of a new dairy cattle manure management system, consisting of manure separation and slurrigation (irrigation with manure slurry) is increasing across Hokkaido. Manure is separated into solid and liquid components. The solid component is decomposed quickly, and becomes mature compost. The liquid slurry is decomposed and deodorized through aeration, and then it is used for slurrigation.
In this study, about 250m³ of slurry were aerated either continuously or intermittently in a 360m³ reactor. The decomposition of organic matter in the slurry was greater when continuous aeration was used than when intermittent aeration was done.
Dairy farmers introducing the slurrigation system observed the following benefits:
1) environmental improvement of barn surroundings;
2) increased grass yield;
3) reduced labor requirements, and,
4) reduced need for chemical fertilizers.