The treatment and use of pig wastes needs urgent study since it constitutes, among stock-raising activities, the most serious source of annoyance, mainly due to odour, and environmental pollution caused by their particular chemical content. The problem, although already pressing and acute, in certain cases, presents a worsening trend due to the observed steady increase of the number of pigs per farm and the large concentration of pig farms in certain areas in Cyprus.
As a rule, in Cyprus, piggery waste is collected in ponds, where a part evaporates. However, in many cases piggery waste overflows to neighbouring fields. In recent years, a large number of pig units have installed solid separators, which let to a significant improvement in the conditions with respect to odours as well as to a decrease in the final disposed quantities of waste, given the fact that larger quantities now evaporate from the storage tanks.
A major problem in the reuse / disposal of treated wastes for agricultural use is the high content of salt and Boron. Thus a review is needed on: legislation on feed (Sodium Chloride< 0.25% of final mix of feed); Ways of fertilization and irrigation and the annual quantities of spreading of wastes so as to avoid accumulation of salt and boron on soils; Selection of suitable crops for high salt and boron. The experience on spreading and incorporation of liquid and solids with soils and degree of elimination of odour is very limited. Irrigation systems that could be used for reuse of liquids are known but not tested under local conditions. Thus pilot schemes are needed.
This Project deals with the preparation of guidelines for the Cyprus Competent Authorities for policy formulation and sustainable management of pig farming wastes in compliance with EU practice. This will be accomplished by identifying piggery waste management techniques suitable under Cyprus conditions; by promoting instruments and tools for environmental protection and pollution prevention; by disseminating information and training, and by producing a guidance document towards policy formulation for sustainable management of the pig-farming wastes for the competent authorities, in compliance with the EU legislation.
The contract agreement between the Beneficiary and the European Commission was signed in January 2004. The Beneficiary of the Project is the Agricultural Research Institute of the Cyprus Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment. Partners and technical advisors to the Project is one company based in Cyprus.P. Nicolaides and Associates Ltd (Partner 1), the National Technical University of Athens (Partner 2), one company based in Denmark.Bioscan A/S (Partner 3) and the Environment Service of the Cyprus Ministry of Agricultural, Natural Resources and the Environment (Partner 4).
According to the proposal that was agreed on and signed by all Partners, the Project is divided into 10 Tasks with specific objectives, description, timeframes and the responsibilities of each Partner.
The Project.s duration is 3 years, has commenced on the 1st of January 2004 and shall terminate at the latest on the 31st of December 2006.
George Adamides, Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 22016, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus
