Michelle McMullen
7 Nov 2024
Dr. Tiequan Zhang from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada discusses his collaborative research on using swine manure in cropping systems to boost sustainability and productivity for farmers.
Dr. Tiequan Zhang, a soil fertility and water quality scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Harrow Research and Development Centre, is spearheading an innovative collaborative research project in Swine Cluster 4 focusing on the application of swine manure in cropping systems. The project aims to boost productivity, lower production costs, and enhance sustainability.
The project involves a comprehensive analysis of swine manure samples from across Canada to assess their nutritional content. Researchers will conduct greenhouse studies utilizing soil from long-term manured and chemically fertilized fields, testing various manure rates and soil types. These findings will then be validated through field experiments, specifically focusing on corn-soybean rotations in real farming conditions. Additionally, the project will evaluate the effects of swine manure on crop yield, plant growth, and nutrient efficiency.
By adopting these methodologies, the project seeks to develop 4R-based recommendations—right source, right rate, right time, and right place—while identifying optimal manure application rates in cropping systems. This approach will help mitigate over-application and promote environmental sustainability.
Optimizing fertilizer use not only enhances crop profitability but also protects the environment from nutrient loss. This research underscores the benefits of swine manure through its ability to enhance soil fertility and support sustainability in agriculture.
“This research underscores the benefits of swine manure through its ability to enhance soil fertility and support sustainable farming practices.”
-Dr. Tiequan Zhang
For more information on this project, check out the project factsheet here.