The potential of pig slurry application on pasture production : a systematic approach

Abstract

Livestock production is fundamental to agricultural systems, particularly in communal farming contexts where it directly influences rural livelihoods. This study investigates the application of pig slurry as a natural fertilizer on pasture production, focusing on its impact on both forage quantity and quality. Through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, we identified key research trends, spatial distributions, and collaboration networks within the field from 1975 to 2024. Our findings reveal that Brazil leads in publications, followed by the USA, Canada, China, and Australia, with significant international collaboration primarily among developed nations. The average annual growth rate of publications was found to be 2.32%, demonstrating exponential growth (R² = 0.44) in the scientific output, aligning with Price’s Law of bibliometrics. Keywords such as “pig slurry,” “nitrous oxide,” and “soil” emerged as prominent themes, indicating a strong focus on nutrient management and environmental impacts. Notably, the top 10 cited documents emphasized greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen dynamics, reflecting significant environmental concerns related to pig slurry’s application. Despite substantial advancements in research, a considerable gap persists in research activity from developing nations, particularly in Africa, where only Senegal has shown engagement in this area. This highlights a need for enhanced collaboration and investment in research to optimize the use of pig slurry in pasture systems, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving livestock productivity. By addressing these research gaps, future studies could contribute to effective nutrient management strategies, fostering resilience in communal farming systems.