Pork water balance model development

Abstract

Piggery effluent storage and use systems need to be designed and managed to minimise the risk of overtopping (or spilling) and thereby releasing effluent containing nutrients and pathogens into adjoining properties or downstream aquatic environments. This is particularly critical following major rainfall events and during periods of extended wet weather, when the soil in the effluent reuse area is too wet to allow effective effluent irrigation. State and local government regulatory agencies generally specify a minimum average spill recurrence interval (typically ten years) to minimise the risk of spilled effluent contaminating surface water and/or groundwater resources. This design standard may be varied depending on the sensitivity of the receiving environment.