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Insights about the Choice of Pig Manure Processing System in Three Italian Regions: Piemonte, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Veneto

Author

Listed:
  • Pietro De Marinis

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy)

  • Omar Ferrari

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy)

  • Erica Allisiardi

    (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Science, University of Turin, 10095 Torino, Italy)

  • Chiara De Mattia

    (Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padua, 35122 Padova, Italy)

  • Giuliana Caliandro

    (Department of Agrifood, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy)

  • Elio Dinuccio

    (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Science, University of Turin, 10095 Torino, Italy)

  • Maurizio Borin

    (Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padua, 35122 Padova, Italy)

  • Paolo Ceccon

    (Department of Agrifood, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy)

  • Guido Sali

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy)

  • Giorgio Provolo

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy)

Abstract

The adoption of best available technologies (BATs) by the livestock sector has a fundamental role in developing a sustainable agricultural system. Italy is the EU member with the highest percentage of manure treated, but processing facilities are regionally scattered and the adoption of BATs is far from being scaled-up. The adoption is a matter of multicriteria decision-making and full knowledge on how to foster the transition is still lacking. The present research aims to deepen the available knowledge by analysing the perception of 40 pig farm managers about decision criteria behind the adopted manure management system across three different Italian regions. We assessed farms in Piemonte, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Veneto. All farms have adequate storage facilities, but 82.5% adopt no processing technique. The two most important decision criteria are economic, i.e., the minimization of treatment and spreading costs. The emerging picture allows us to conclude that BAT adoption is still adopted as a mere consequence of legal obligation. Economic constraints prevail as there is a lack of information and uncertainty. Clear perspectives and recognition of virtuous behavior prevent farmers from making decisions based on environmental or social criteria. Therefore, effective policies oriented to fill these gaps are needed to accelerate the transition towards sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Pietro De Marinis & Omar Ferrari & Erica Allisiardi & Chiara De Mattia & Giuliana Caliandro & Elio Dinuccio & Maurizio Borin & Paolo Ceccon & Guido Sali & Giorgio Provolo, 2021. "Insights about the Choice of Pig Manure Processing System in Three Italian Regions: Piemonte, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Veneto," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-24, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:2:p:787-:d:480702
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Valdemir Antoneli & Ana Caroline Mosele & João Anésio Bednarz & Manuel Pulido-Fernández & Javier Lozano-Parra & Saskia Deborah Keesstra & Jesús Rodrigo-Comino, 2019. "Effects of Applying Liquid Swine Manure on Soil Quality and Yield Production in Tropical Soybean Crops (Paraná, Brazil)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-11, July.
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