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Slurry Management

Making the Best of a Valuable Resource

For generations farmers used animal waste as a valuable resource, an important nutrient and soil conditioner. Following WWII and the production boom in artificial fertilisers, especially bagged nitrogen, the attitude of many farmers changed and dung and slurry became a waste management problem, especially as environmental protection became more of a priority.


Today those attitudes have changed. The cost of artificial, oil-based nutrients is rocketing adding unacceptable costs and farmers need to look again at home grown resources.

In March 2011 sixty farmers visited SAC’s Crichton Royal Farm, Dumfries to find out more about making the best and safest use of the nutrient value of their slurries and manures. The event was funded by the Scottish Government under its Veterinary and Advisory Programme or VAS. Visitors saw practical demonstrations of the various application methods, including precision and variable rate spreading. They heard how best to carry out a slurry spreading risk assessment which is especially important in Scotland’s variable, unpredictable climate.

At a seminar they heard various expert speakers, including Farm Manager Hugh McClymont who talked about the savings made at Crichton Farm through better slurry use. Ayrshire farmer Willie Campbell concluded the day by relating his experiences of increased slurry storage, more timely application and enhanced environmental protection. 

On the accompanying pages you will get more information including podcast interviews and images from the event.

The SAC Experience – Crichton Farms Manager Hugh McClymont

Ken Rundle hears from Hugh McClymont that the proper use of the dung and slurry the stock at Crichton produce has allowed him to cut the amount of bought in fertiliser by half in the last ten years.


Choosing the Right Kit - Spreading Slurry above or Below the Surface

Ken Rundle and SAC Environment Consultant Carole Christian discuss the various methods for spreading slurry and their advantages or disadvantages.


SEPA – Avoiding Pollution and Following the Rules

Ken Rundle questions Jackie McColm, local Officer with SEPA (Scottish Environment protection Agency) about the rules and regulations surrounding the use of slurry and dung and the problems of pollution.


Know What You Have - Proper Analysis and Testing

Ken Rundle and Dumfries–based SAC Farm Business Services Consultant David Owen discuss the need for farmers to know the nutrient status of their soil and the analysis of their slurry’s if they are to make the best user of them.


PLANET - A Nutrient Planning Computer Programme for Farmers

Ken Rundle talks to Neil Henderson from Scottish Government and Chris McDonald, an SAC Farm Business Consultant about PLANET, a nutrient management computer programme for farmers that can help them plan their fertiliser or nutrient use and comply with ever stricter regulations.


Proper Storage – Store Nutrients, Not Dirty Water

Ken Rundle speaks to SAC Environment Consultant Adrian Jones who reveals the financial facts behind storing nutrients properly and being careless.