mënyrimin

Mënyrimin is the agricultural practice of applying manure and other organic matter to soil to improve fertility and soil health. It includes raw manure, composted manure, slurry, and green manures turned into soil. The aim is to replenish plant-available nutrients, increase soil organic matter, and support soil structure and microbial activity, thereby reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Methods and timing: Manure is typically spread over fields and incorporated into the topsoil by tillage, or injected to reduce ammonia losses and odor. Application timing depends on crop sequence, climate, and manure type, with pre-planting or at-planting applications common, and some farmers using split applications during the growing season. Rates are determined by soil tests, crop nutrient requirements, and regulatory guidelines that limit nutrient surpluses and protect water quality.

Benefits and limitations: Properly managed, mënyrimin improves soil fertility, water-holding capacity, microbial activity, and long-term productivity; it recycles agricultural waste and can lower fertilizer costs. Potential drawbacks include nutrient runoff and leaching, ammonia and methane emissions, odor, and the risk of transmitting pathogens if manure is not properly treated. These risks are mitigated through composting, secure storage, buffer strips, timing with weather, and adherence to nutrient management plans.