[Interview by Bethany Karlberg originally published by IANR]
Manure is a valuable resource and a natural key piece to the biological cycle. Manure contains key nutrients that can be used in place of fertilizer on crops for a more natural option. Nebraska has the key advantage of recycling manure nutrients by having sufficient cropland next to the livestock sectors. According to Rick Koelsch, professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Nebraska has an advantage over many other livestock producing regions because of its livestock and crop production capacity.
Recycling manure was highly valued before the popularity of commercial fertilizer. “I think my grandfather knew the importance of manure recycling because he didn’t have the alternative of using commercial fertilizers,” Koelsch said.
Koelsch works to communicate the importance of using manure as a valuable resource, instead of seeing it as a waste product. Manure is commonly used in place of fertilizer, but the two have distinct differences continue to full article.