Most manure is stored in heaps

The type of storage system used for manure or slurry can affect greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient loss. Slurry storage, for example, with or without cover or crusting can influence ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions.

Respondents were asked to estimate the percentage total manure or slurry stored by different storage systems. Manure is most commonly stored in heaps, on average, 58% of all manure or slurry for a holding is stored in this way. Compost piles account for 11% of manure or slurry stored on holding. Liquid manure/slurry without cover accounts for 10% of all manure or slurry stored on holding.

 Figure 7: Percentage of manure and liquid manure/slurry stored by storage system

The average number of months manure can be stored on site (without risk of runoff, and without occasional emptying) depends on the storage system. Manure stored in compost piles and manure stored in other facilities are stored on average for 11 months. Manure stored in other facilities, and liquid manure/slurry, is stored for 7 months on average.