How spatial autocorrelation and network analysis can support manure management: a regional approach

Abstract Efficient management of livestock manure is a challenging task to reduce negative environmental impacts and improve the sustainability of livestock production. To this aim, livestock manure treatment plants are crucial to increase the acceptance of farms and local populations, to meet the requirements of the Nitrates and NEC Directives and subsequently to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda. The study proposes the integration of different spatial analysis methods to optimise the location of livestock manure treatment plants or spreading activities. The study area is Campania, a region in southern Italy, due to its significant livestock production mainly related to buffalo and cattle farms. The autocorrelation analysis was used to study the spatial dynamics of livestock manure in 2020. In particular, the N/ha load at the municipal level was assessed, in order to identify the hot-spot areas strongly affected by the livestock farms' presence. The network analysis was used to combine critical spatial connectivity information between effluent sources and potential treatment or spreading destinations. Results show two main large areas, in the provinces of Caserta and Salerno, as important patterns in terms of spatial distribution of livestock manure. Manure spreading areas were identified and assessed and possible treatment plants were hypotezed. The study supports both decision-makers, in strategies building for livestock effluent management and their environmental impact reductions, and local farmers, authorities and stakeholders, in assessing the efficiency and convenience of effluent transport and management.