Slurry: the environmental challenge we cannot ignore

A reality that affects us all

Intensive livestock farming, especially pig farming, has grown significantly in Catalonia and many areas of Spain. With this growth, so has the production of slurry, a mixture of manure and urine that, if not managed properly, can become a major environmental problem.

Slurry contains valuable nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are very useful for fertilising fields. However, when applied in excess or without proper control, it can contaminate groundwater, generate ammonia and methane emissions, and degrade the soil.

In Catalonia, livestock density often exceeds the capacity of the available land to absorb these nutrients. This creates an imbalance that forces us to seek alternative solutions: transporting slurry to other areas, applying treatment technologies, or promoting its use as organic fertiliser. Without efficient management, the environmental and economic risk increases and the sustainability of the sector is called into question.

Environmental impacts of poor management

When slurry is not managed properly, the negative effects on the environment and public health can be significant. These are some of the most notable impacts:

• Nitrate pollution: Excess nitrogen can seep into aquifers and compromise drinking water quality.
• Emissions into the atmosphere: Surface application generates gases such as ammonia, which contribute to acid rain and the formation of fine particles.
• Odour and nuisance: Odorous emissions directly affect the quality of life of nearby populations.
• Soil degradation: Continued and uncontrolled use can alter the microbiological balance of the soil and reduce its fertility.

Increasingly strict legislation

Concern about these impacts has led administrations to strengthen the regulatory framework. New laws seek to ensure more efficient and sustainable management of slurry, promoting good practices within the sector:

• Royal Decree 1051/2022: Establishes criteria for sustainable soil nutrition. It prohibits application by cannon and requires the use of systems that reduce emissions.
• Catalan regulations: In areas with higher livestock density, new farms have been restricted. Manure management plans and traceability systems are also being rolled out.

These measures not only protect the environment, but also ensure the long-term viability of the livestock sector in an environment increasingly committed to sustainability.

Towards responsible and efficient management

Slurry management can become an opportunity if approached with technical and innovative criteria. New technologies allow us to harness its potential and reduce its negative impacts. With proper management, it is possible to:

• Reduce emissions and odours.
• Optimise its use as fertiliser.
• Comply with current regulations.
• Improve the social perception of the sector.

Sustainable solutions that are already a reality

At Grup Carles Rural, we believe that sustainability is a strategic decision and a commitment to the future. That is why we have developed RAACPUR, an innovative system that significantly reduces the nitrogen load of slurry, optimises its management and avoids the need to expand agricultural land to comply with regulations.

Our approach combines technology, efficiency and respect for the environment, facilitating legal compliance and reducing logistics costs. In this way, we turn a challenge into an opportunity for the future of the livestock sector.

Good slurry management means caring for the land, the sector and the future. At Grup Carles Rural, we work every day to offer sustainable solutions that adapt to the needs of each farm.