The Nitrogen Crisis in NL

Cow manure plays a major role in the nitrogen crisis in the Netherlands.

Scale of the Problem

The Netherlands has a very high livestock density, with over 15 million pigs and cows, which is almost equivalent to the human population. This intensive livestock farming has led to massive manure production, which releases high amounts of ammonia and other nitrogen compounds.

Annual Production Numbers

Total manure: 75 million tons per year
Cow manure: 60 million tons per year (80% of total)
Daily production: 164,000 tons per day

Environmental Impact

Nitrogen from cow manure, both from the animals’ digestive process (enteric fermentation) and from the storage and application of the manure, is a significant source of nitrogen pollution.

The fermentation of organic matter in manure under anaerobic conditions produces methane as well as nitrogen compounds such as ammonia.

Consequences

Ecosystem damage: Excessive nitrogen deposition has damaged ecosystems
Species harm: Harm to native plant and animal species
Legal challenges: Legal challenges and political unrest
EU regulations: Difficulties in complying with EU environmental regulations

Pollution Trends (2015-2023)

Nitrogen Pollution in Animal Manure

2015: ~180 million kg
2023: ~150 million kg
Trend: Slight decline

Phosphate Production in Animal Manure

2015: ~580 million kg
2023: ~520 million kg
Trend: Continuous decline

Construction as a Solution

Using cow manure as a construction material would divert this nitrogen-rich waste from being spread on fields, where it would evaporate. and can contribute to nitrogen pollution.

Sources: Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek 2023; Mele, 2022; Mukpo, 2023; Tullis, 2023; Dollmann et al., 2021