Organic Fertilisers

Organic fertilisers contain nutrients in comparatively low and often differing, inexact concentrations. The organic bond allows for microorganisms to break it down, making it available for plants. This decomposition requires optimal temperatures and humidity. Since these factors are inevitably affected by variations, it can be difficult to balance nutrient release with the needs of plants. The yield is therefore not as large as with mineral fertilisers. Furthermore, nutrients are released at times when the plants do not require them, creating a risk of loss that can only be reduced through targeted application. Therefore, SKW Piesteritz produces the nitrogen stabiliser PIADIN®.

Farmyard Manure

Is a reality of raising livestock and is a mixture of animal waste and straw. It can be stored easily and contains all primary and trace nutrients, making it a good fertiliser. A notable disadvantage of farmyard manure is gaseous nitrogen loss (ammonia) occurring in transit between the stall and the field at higher rates compared to liquid manure.

Liquid manure

Liquid manure is well known in agriculture and also originates from animal waste. Cleaning water from stalls creates liquid manure, which can be stored for a longer period in containers and is easily applied as a commercial fertiliser. Primarily due to its high ammonia content, it can be used as a fertiliser.

Compost and Other Organic Fertiliser

Compost originates primarily from vegetative waste that has been transformed by micro-organisms and insects into nutrient-rich humus. In compost heaps and in large compost facilities, this can take from a few weeks to a year. Another organic fertiliser is guano, which is nutrient-rich, dried waste from sea birds. Guano was originally used as a fertiliser by aboriginal Peruvians and was first brought to Europe in 1804.

Waste from Biogas Production

Organic fertiliser such as liquid or farmyard manure can not only be used as fertiliser, but ca also be mixed with other agricultural substances such as corn silage to be used in biogas production. The waste from such facilities can be used as fertiliser, much like liquid manure.