Hoengseong County Urges Farmers: "Don't Forget to Get Livestock Manure Maturity Tests"

Hoengseong County Agricultural Technology Center
Offers Free Year-Round Livestock Manure Maturity Testing

The Hoengseong County Agricultural Technology Center in Gangwon Province, led by Director Kwak Kiwoong, is providing free year-round testing of livestock manure compost maturity for local farms. With the mandatory implementation of livestock manure compost maturity testing, this process has become an essential procedure that must be completed before spreading compost or liquid fertilizer on farmland. The system is designed to prevent environmental pollution and establish a foundation for sustainable agriculture.

The Hoengseong County Agricultural Technology Center is providing free year-round testing of livestock manure compost maturity for farms in the area. Provided by Hoengseong County

The livestock manure maturity test determines whether the manure, after undergoing the composting or liquid fertilizer process, is suitable for application by classifying it into five stages: fully matured, late maturity, mid maturity, early maturity, and immature. The test also includes analysis of heavy metals (copper and zinc) and salt content within the compost or liquid fertilizer.

According to the Act on the Management and Use of Livestock Manure, farms required to register must undergo the maturity test once a year, while those requiring a permit must do so twice a year. The results must be kept for three years. Failure to comply may result in fines, so continuous management by farms is necessary.

To apply for the maturity test, farms should collect samples evenly from at least five points in the compost pile (top, middle, and bottom), mix them thoroughly, and place about 500 grams in a sealed bag such as a zipper bag. The sample should then be submitted in person to the Comprehensive Analysis Support Reception Desk at the Hoengseong County Agricultural Technology Center.

Park Sunhee, Head of Research and Development, stated, "The livestock manure maturity test is an essential procedure to prevent odors and soil contamination," adding, "Meticulous cooperation from farms is needed from the sampling stage to ensure accurate testing."

She further emphasized, "Since free testing is available year-round, I hope farms will actively utilize this service to strengthen the foundation for environmentally friendly agriculture."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.