What would happen if you fell into a slurry pit?

There are two main dangers – drowning and asphyxiation. And there are very few warning signs. The gases – at a dangerous, high level – are both odourless and invisible so they are, essentially, a silent killer. While in the tank, toxic gases are released during the bacterial decomposition of slurry.

Is a slurry pit dangerous?

There are two main dangers when it comes to slurry pits: drowning and exposure to poisonous gases. We advise our Members that simple provisions, such as putting up fences, gates and covers to deter people or livestock from entering the store, can make a big difference in preventing accidents.

Why are slurry tanks so dangerous?

Toxic gases are released during the bacterial decomposition of slurry in tanks. Inhaling these gases which include hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, methane and carbon dioxide can be lethal. Hydrogen sulphide is extremely poisonous both to people and animals.

What is a slurry pit on a farm?

A slurry pit, also known as a farm slurry pit, slurry tank, slurry lagoon or slurry store, is a hole, dam, or circular concrete structure where farmers gather all their animal waste together with other unusable organic matter, such as hay and water run off from washing down dairies, stables, and barns, in order to …

When can you spread slurry 2020?

From 13 January, farmers in Zone A can spread fertilisers again, since the closed period started last year. For farmers in Zone B, they can begin spreading slurry again from 16 January and farmers in Zone C and Northern Ireland can spread slurry from 1 February.

What is the law on slurry spreading?

Under Rule 1 of the Farming Rules for Water, farmers will be permitted to spread slurry or manure in autumn if there is no pollution risk, as the EA confirms it has relaxed enforcement rules until the end of February 2022. “Of course, water quality should never be compromised.

What is a slurry used for?

A slurry- is a combination of starch (usually cornstarch, flour, potato starch or arrowroot) and cold water which is mixed together and used to thicken a soup or sauce. If the starch is solely added directly to a hot liquid, the starch granules cannot disperse easily and clumps form.

Why is slurry an important resource?

Livestock slurry is valuable source of free, organic fertiliser, which farmers can spread on farmland. During storage ammonia and greenhouse gases are emitted from slurry. Emissions of ammonia can cause excessive richness of nutrients in our lakes and rivers, resulting in dense growth of plant life.

What gas is in slurry?

Slurry Gases. Many hazardous gases are released during the bacterial decomposition of slurry in tanks. Inhaling these gases which include hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, methane and carbon dioxide can be lethal. All these gases are heavier than air, so they displace oxygen.

How does a slurry lagoon work?

Some simply amass the manure and spread it onto land and others create ‘slurry’ from manure and water. Slurry is stored in a lagoon or tank until it is ready to be applied to the land as a fertiliser for plants. Some dairy farmers spread slurry onto the land; others inject it directly into the soil.

Can you spread slurry in the rain?

You must not spread slurry when land is waterlogged, flooded or where heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours. To prevent waters from becoming polluted by nitrogen and phosphorus, slurry should be spread as evenly and accurately as possible. .

How much is an acre of slurry?

Normally, application rates of up to 3,000 gallons per acre (33m3/ha) are recommended, depending on the soil test and whether the fields are used for grazing or silage. A total of 3,000 gallons of cattle slurry per acre should provide enough P and K for first-cut silage.