What is Slurry in Farming?

In the UK, farmers create millions of tonnes of animal waste per year. Many have invested in repurposing this product into ‘slurry’- a super-boosted soil fertiliser.

Whilst farm slurry might seem like a sustainable idea, there are certain procedures that must be followed before spreading the mixture. One wrong move and farmers could face all kinds of issues. Like health risks, negligence claims, business closures, and even fatalities. 

In this guide, we’ll look at what slurry is made of, why it’s used, and how to create it safely within farming. We also offer expert advice on agriculture Health & Safety from our team of experts.

What is slurry in farming?

Slurry is made up of animal manure and water. Farmers use this liquid concoction as a natural fertiliser for their plants and vegetation.

UK farmers only use spreadable slurry; however, there are other versions. For example, farmyard manure (FYM) and dirty water. Slurry contains all kinds of nutrients that help encourage soil health and crop growth. Common ones include nitrates, phosphates, and potash. 

To make farm slurry, farmers gather animal waste and other unusable organic materials, like hay and run-off water. It’s usually collected in farm slurry tanks, but also pits and concrete holes. Over time, these organisms will break down into compost which is used as fertiliser.

Why is farm slurry dangerous? 

There are several health and safety risks linked to farming slurry. This includes when it’s being made, as well as when it’s being applied to lands.

Two of the most dangerous slurry risks include suffocation and drowning. During decomposition, slurry releases deadly gases which are fatal to humans and animals. Toxins include a combination of methane, ammonia, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulphide.

People are also at risk of drowning in slurry tanks and pits. This increasingly occurs when people are unaware of slurry areas; or don’t follow proper procedures when near tanks.

Health and safety law requires that those who use and store slurry must risk assess the danger to workers and put controls in place to protect them at work.

Is spreading slurry illegal in the UK?

Spreading slurry is legal in the UK. However, there are certain regulations farmers must comply with before creating farm slurry. For example, slurry should:

• Be spread in appropriate conditions (i.e., if the land isn’t cracked, frozen, or saturated).
• Not be spread on hot, humid, or windy days. 
• Be applied to areas that actively grow crops and vegetation.
• Be produced with proper slurry farming systems; (i.e., like checking risk areas or soil qualities). 

Under UK legislation, farmers must take reasonable measures not to cause pollution to the natural habitat. This includes air, land, and water. By following proper procedures, farmers can utilise slurry without facing environmental pressures.

How to manage a farm slurry management system

Due to consumer demands, the farming industry has fast become a prominent sector to society. That’s why many have turned to sustainable practices, like slurry farming. However, it must be done properly for it to benefit themselves, and the environment.

Let’s look at ways to manage a farm slurry management system:

Plan your initiation methods

The first step farmers need to take is planning their initiation methods before making or mixing slurry. They should:

• Outline what this task includes and how it’ll be executed safely.
• Check equipment and machinery are available for the task.
• Provide proper safety uniforms and equipment before entering the area. (This includes breathing apparatus and oxygen masks).
• Map out entering and exit plans for the area.
• Keep all people and animals away from the area. (This includes before, during, and after the task).

Remember, there is no such thing as a safe slurry tank. If mishandled, these toxic gases could lead to fatalities to people and animals in an instant. With the best practices, you’ll be able to safely work with slurry whilst preventing lethal dangers.

Highlight potential external influences

The next step is highlighting any external influences that could potentially cause slurry risks. For example, you must have a proper plan to deal with toxic gases released during the decomposition stages.

Most of these are flammable, and nearly all of them are lethal. Even breathing them in for a few seconds could result in asphyxiation.

The weather plays a huge part in slurry farming. Farmers should only spread slurry onto soil that’s above 6°. It’s also best to apply it lands during growing seasons. Following the proper steps minimises safety risks to farmers, employees, and people in the surrounding areas.

Invest in proper equipment 

Many people have faced serious health issues, and even death, due to slurry toxins. This could be linked to a failure in wearing appropriate protection. 

Farmers must invest in proper slurry equipment. These include breathing apparatus, oxygen tanks, eye protection, and bodysuits. Safety equipment must be maintained regularly to ensure it’s suitable for the job – if and when needed.

It’s also important to have a suitable infrastructure when make slurry. Most farmers use slurry tanks; but some create outdoor pits and holes. Keep these areas covered and guarded with appropriate safety signage and barriers. 

Monitor slurry tanks properly

There are various environmental regulations farmers must oblige with when slurry farming is involved. This includes storing, spreading, and transporting the product properly.

Farmers should invest in gas monitors and detectors to manage slurry. These will help alert people of toxic gases and chemicals. For example, employees who work on the farm who may have access to slurry areas. 

Any risks could lead to serious injuries – resulting in negligence claims, business closure, and even imprisonment.

Get expert advice on farming slurry with Peninsula 

Farmers will use all kinds of methods to help enhance their crops and harvests. When dealing with slurry, it must always be conducted appropriately without affecting the local people and the environment.

Peninsula offers expert advice on farming slurry. We offer 24-hour H&S advice on agriculture Health & Safety ensuring your employees work in the safest manner. 

Want to find out more? Contact us on 0800 028 2420 and book a free consultation with one of our Health and Safety consultants today.