gödsel

Gödsel is a term used in Swedish to describe materials applied to soil to improve fertility and crop production. It encompasses organic fertilizers such as animal manure, slurry, and compost, as well as green manure and other organic residues; it also includes mineral fertilizers, known as mineralgödsel, which supply plant nutrients in manufactured forms.

Organic gödsel provides nutrients as it decomposes and can improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and microbial activity. The most common organic sources are cattle, pig, and poultry manure, slurry, and compost. Mineralgödsel delivers specific amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and can be tailored to crop needs and soil conditions for precise nutrient management.

Application and management practices aim to match nutrient supply with crop demand. Rates are typically based on soil tests, crop rotations, and expected yields. Timing may be pre-planting, during growth, or in split applications. Methods include surface spreading, broadcasting, or direct injection, with incorporation to reduce volatilization and losses. Proper storage and handling of gödsel, especially manure and slurry, reduce odors, ammonia emissions, and leakage risks.

Environmental considerations are central to gödsel use. Nutrient losses through leaching, runoff, or volatilization can contaminate water bodies and contribute to eutrophication and greenhouse gas emissions. Regulations and guidelines at national and European levels promote nutrient budgeting, recording, and practices that minimize environmental impact. In practice, gödsel management emphasizes balancing soil fertility, crop needs, and environmental protection.