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How to manage manure correctly
As an animal or horse keeper, you are responsible for storing and spreading manure correctly. This reduces odors, disturbances, and the risk of pollution.
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Why are there rules for manure?
Manure contains nutrients that are important in agriculture but can harm the environment if they end up in the wrong place. Phosphorus leakage causes lakes to become overgrown, and nitrogen increases algae growth in the sea. Bacteria can also pollute groundwater and make it unfit for use.
Storage of manure
Manure must always be stored in a way that reduces the risk of nutrients leaking into soil and water. The most common solutions are sealed surfaces such as manure slabs or containers.
Temporary storage, known as field heaps, can be used before spreading but only if the risk of leakage is low and the storage is short-term. Smaller horse farms do not have the same requirements as larger farms, but manure must still be stored on sealed surfaces when spreading is not possible.
Spreading of manure
When manure is spread, it affects both the environment and people nearby. Therefore, special rules apply:
- Spreading is not allowed on frozen or snow-covered ground. In Boden, spreading is prohibited in winter regardless of the month.
- Keep a safe distance from ditches, watercourses, and wells. By the lakes Buddbyträsket, Bodträsket, Svartbyträsket, and Vittjärvsträsket, spreading is prohibited within 50 meters of the shoreline.
- Horse owners also need to consider neighbors. This often means mucking out regularly, storing manure under a roof, and planting greenery to reduce odors and flies.
Special rules
In addition to storage and spreading, there are other rules that may apply if you keep animals or have stables:
- Animal by-products: Natural manure is classified as an animal by-product, and rules may apply for transport and removal.
- Burial of horses: Allowed on your own land if the location is suitable, but always contact the municipality first. Groundwater, watercourses, and nearby housing must be taken into account.
- Sewage in stables: Toilets in stables must be connected to a septic tank with treatment or to the household sewage system. Washing areas need special solutions to capture manure, sand, and straw.
Frequently asked questions
What types of field heaps are there?
There are two types:
- Temporary storage – before spreading on fields.
- Composting – longer storage to break down the manure and make nutrients more available.
When can field heaps be used?
Field heaps cannot be counted as part of the regular storage capacity. They can only be used as a complement, for example to avoid soil compaction or when manure is to be transported to another farmer.
What type of manure is suitable?
- Composting: stackable manure with a lot of bedding material, such as deep-litter manure or horse manure.
- Temporary storage: manure with higher nutrient content, but the storage should be short-term.
How long can a field heap remain?
- Composting: should be done during summer. After October, the heap must be covered if it remains. Spread it at the first suitable opportunity.
- Temporary storage: keep storage as short as possible. In spring and autumn, only for a few days or weeks.
What should I consider when using field heaps?
- Place them where there is no risk of flooding or high groundwater.
- Avoid light sandy soils and locations above drainage pipes.
- Keep a safe distance from surface and drinking water.
- Avoid nuisances for neighbors, such as odors and flies.
- If you place heaps on the same field again, wait at least five years and move to a different spot.
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Contact
Environment and building unit
E-mail: mob@boden.se
Phone: +46 921 620 00