HIGHLIGHTS:
Liquid swine manure is a source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) and can be utilized through fertigation.
Liquid swine manure is an efficient substitute for NPK chemical fertilizers.
By using pig manure instead of NPK chemical fertilizers, it was possible to save R$11,743.44 in chemical fertilizers.
ABSTRACT
Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of animal protein, and swine farming plays a significant role in this sector. With the increase in the prices of mineral fertilizers, swine manure can be an alternative for fertilization and reduce production costs if carefully monitored to minimize damage and environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to characterize swine liquid slurry from a commercial finishing farm and determine the concentrations of total nitrogen, N-NH4 +, total phosphorus, and potassium for its use as a source of nutrients for the soil. The manure volume was calculated. The body retention of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and physical and chemical attributes of the feed and manure were evaluated. In the analyzed swine manure, the concentrations of the total nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, total phosphorus, and potassium were 6.14, 2.87, 3.66, and 2.64 g L-1, respectively. Liquid swine manure proved to be an efficient substitute for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium chemical fertilizers, representing cost savings of R$11,743.44 in chemical fertilizers.
Key words:
swine farming; sustainability; production cost; organic fertilization; swine liquid slurry