Gnojowica

Gnojowica is a liquid manure or slurry produced by mixing animal excreta with water or washings, used in Polish agriculture as a fertilizer. It is a nutrient-rich source for crops, supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Its composition varies with animal source, diet, and storage time, but it generally contains organic matter, ammonium nitrogen, dissolved minerals, and suspended solids, with a high moisture content.

Production and storage: The material is generated by livestock operations, especially cattle, pigs, and poultry. It is stored in tanks or open lagoons, often for extended periods. Prolonged storage under anaerobic conditions can reduce odors but may produce methane. Safe storage requires containment to prevent seepage and leaching, with procedures to separate clean rainwater and manage runoff. Regulations commonly require adequate storage capacity and setback distances from wells and surface water bodies.

Application: Gnojowica is spread on fields as a fertilizer, typically when crops can utilize the nutrients. Methods include splash or sprinkler irrigation and trailing hoses, with timing guided by crop needs and weather to minimize nitrogen losses through volatilization and leaching. Use is regulated to reduce contamination of water bodies and to limit odor emissions.

Environmental and safety notes: Improper handling can lead to nutrient leaching, eutrophication, ammonia emissions, and odor concerns. Standards in many countries align with the EU Nitrates Directive and national rules on storage, application timing, and buffer zones. Workers handling gnojowica should follow safety guidelines and, where appropriate, wear protective equipment.