Collaboratrices et collaborateurs

A key information the farmer needs to know for fertiliser planning is, how much of the total nitrogen (N) excreted and transformed into organic fertilizers can potentially be taken up by the crops. This requires bundling the available scientific knowledge on animal nutrition, the potential N losses along the manure cascade, i.e. from excretion to and including application, and the potential long-term N recovery after field application. During the expert workshop Re-evaluating the potential nitrogen recovery of different manure categories, held on 4 – 6 May 2022 at Agroscope in Switzerland, we identified ranges of reactive N losses reduction potentials along the manure cascade, which can be achieved through the implementation of specific agricultural practices. Subsequently, we discussed possible strategies to assess the potential N recovery after application of manure in the field (Fig. 1). Thanks to the different perspectives, based on country and specialisation, we were able to collect a broad spectrum of knowledge. Additional to this workshop summary, an in-depth review on the potential of N recovery of selected manure categories in livestock systems will be prepared in a follow up.