The environmental impact of manure production are presented with the odour and ammonia emissions. Social aspects are discussed as to what are the elements triggering individuals and communities reaction to the environmental impact of agricultural production. A portrait of the possible risks (water contamination, nutrient build up in soil, odour and ammonia emissions to the air) associated with manure storage ((clay-lined or clayey soils made earthen storage) and handling is also presented and reassurance is made indicating that the recommended practices for manure storage and recommended application rates if followed lower those risks. Appropriate manure spreading techniques that favor injection or rapid incorporation of manure over broadcast spreading will also lower the odour emissions and retain more nitrogen which increase the fertilizing value of the manure.
This articles provides general information about the impacts of manure management at a social level as well as at an environmental level. Following good practices that have been established and improving general management are the keys to lower impacts from manure management.