Nutrient management
A farmer cooperative based around the Evian impluvium (watershed) improved manure management and fertilization planning, to secure groundwater quality and reduce fertilization costs, while producing biogas using a shared biodigester, for the participating municipalities.
Last updated on March 24th, 2023
A contribution from Danone Ecosystem
Why does it matter?
Farmers may face issues while managing manure spreading on their pastures, in terms of timing and dosage. It can be challenging to achieve nutrient efficiency and there is risk of excess manure contaminating groundwater if not controlled properly. In contrast, tailored manure management and nutrient management plan can reduce fertilization costs.
How did we solve this?
41 farmers organised themselves into a cooperative to provide manure to a biodigester owned by the municipality authorities on Evian impluvium. The manure was centrally collected and converted into biogas (injected into the public gas network) and digestate.
Farmers were able to benefit from having a forecast plan for digestate spreading and the cooperative that owns tractors, barrels and other high-performance equipment is responsible for the operations. This allows farmers to save up to 70% on fertilization expenses and the groundwater remains protected and the same quality it was 200 years ago.
Opportunities for other farms?
Manure management and nutrient planning can be designed and introduced into any farming system with fields. The use of a biodigester is not mandatory to achieve nutrient efficiency. However, it can be an interesting and useful opportunity when stakeholders can support the investment for common use and benefits.
Visit the DANONE ECOSYSTEM website for more
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