Sustainable land management technologies: animal waste management

Definition

Animal waste management is the proper collection, handling, storage, and utilization of waste generated from animals (manure and urine), with the aim of recycling as much of the collected material as possible. The technology is mainly used in land involving livestock production, such as grazing land.

Benefits

According to the report on sustainable land management (SLM) by the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface (SPI), animal waste that has been carefully treated and managed can be used to improve soil fertility and productivity, and reduce nutrient losses.

Examples of SLM best practices in animal waste management

Below are examples of best practices in animal waste management cited in the report on SLM by the SPI.

Improved cattle shed for urine collection

SLM - Land use type :

Grazing land

SLM - Technology group:

Animal waste management

SLM - Type of land degradation addressed:

Chemical soil deterioration

Country

Nepal

Source

WOCAT

Collection of cattle urine in improved cattle sheds for use as liquid manure and organic pesticide. Cattle urine, which is a viable alternative to mineral fertiliser, is collected in a pit or drum and protected from rain and runoff. Where urine is collected for incorporation with farmyard manure, the pit may be directly connected to the manure pit or heap. Urine that is used as liquid manure or organic pesticide is stored in a drum for fermentation.

• See other examples of best practices in animal waste management from the SPI report on SLM

Read about other SLM technology groups

Read more:

• SLM in different land use contexts
• Identifying SLM technologies
• Why SLM matters
• Adopting SLM at the national level
• What you can do now