Photo credit: STRATUS
Manure mediation represents a strategy whereby farms with an abundance of organic manure can sell this resource to other farms that has a deficit of organic carbon in their system. This approach facilitates the transfer of nutrients from an area with a higher potential for nutrient leaching to an area with a demand for both nutrients and organic carbon and thereby enhancing soil quality.
The idea is similar for mediation of digested sewage sludge, whereby this as well is transported to regions exhibiting a deficiency in such materials.
This practice is conducted on a farm scale, with the farmer themselves determining the location of the greatest need for organic manure.
The mediation and trade of the manure may be managed by advisory companies or by the farmers themselves. Through the advisory network, the farmers can receive assistance in testing the nutrient content of the manure and in determining its market value. The farmers contact the advisory company with information about how much and what kind of manure they have for sale. The prize of the manure is based on the nutrient content and distance of shipping distance.
However, the supply of digested sludge is handled by specialised companies due to the regulations, analysis and contracts with the treatment plants. However, this is free of charge for farmers.
The mediation of manure depends on the distance from the seller to the buyer, with the value of the manure decreasing with distance. Distance is not a problem for digested sewage sludge.