Offered Papers Theme B: Grassland and the Environment

Description

A code of good practice was established by each European member state according to the EU Nitrate Directive. In Belgium, the nitrogen (N) inputs on pastures from slurry or compost are limited to 210 kg N/ha. Bigger quantities can be applied if the farmer follows a programme of additional measurements, including soil nitrate (NO3) analysis. This investigation aimed to measure animal performance, N balance and soil NO3 in pastures fertilised with mineral N, pig slurry or cattle compost, the pastures being grazed by Belgian Blue cows and their calves.

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Nitrogen Balance and Soil Nitrates in Suckler Cow Pastures Fertilised with Mineral Fertiliser, Pig Slurry or Cattle Compost

A code of good practice was established by each European member state according to the EU Nitrate Directive. In Belgium, the nitrogen (N) inputs on pastures from slurry or compost are limited to 210 kg N/ha. Bigger quantities can be applied if the farmer follows a programme of additional measurements, including soil nitrate (NO3) analysis. This investigation aimed to measure animal performance, N balance and soil NO3 in pastures fertilised with mineral N, pig slurry or cattle compost, the pastures being grazed by Belgian Blue cows and their calves.