As the livestock density is considerably high in Belgium, particularly in the Flounders, important excesses of manure can be obtained in numerous farms. In order to verify if manure injection could bring solution to the surpluses by the better nutrient utilization and lower impact on neighbouring populations compared to broadcast application, a study was carried out at the Research Station of Merelbeke. Experiments were done with manure from cattle, pig or poultry production units and mineral fertilizers were added to those manure in order to obtain a uniform nutrient content and the application was done through spreading and injection (to compare both). The herbage yields were not affected by the application system however the nitrogen content of the herbage was higher when the manure was injected.
Nitrogen in the manure is better utilized as less nitrogen volatilization occur when injection is made compared to broadcast application. The application rates can be lowered providing that a good evaluation of the nutrients balance is done and that the spreading equipment allows for precise application rates. Injection also the odour emissions at the time of spreading.