Case: 25 tonnes of mineral fertiliser saved through precise slurry spreading

16 September 2026 | VOGELSANG

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On its steep fields, Ebrecht KG needed a solution that could apply slurry precisely and close to the ground. Retrofitting a BlackBird® trailing shoe applicator improved nutrient utilisation and reduced the farm’s mineral fertiliser requirements by around 25 tonnes in the first year alone.

Steep fields require precise slurry spreading

Ebrecht KG is a family-run farm in the Leinebergland region of Lower Saxony, Germany. The farm covers approximately 260 hectares of arable land and grassland, much of which is located on steep slopes.

Ebrecht KG spreads around 7,000 m³ of slurry each year. Previously, the work was carried out using a 27-metre nozzle boom with three nozzles. This method made it difficult to apply the slurry with sufficient precision and close enough to the ground.

The less accurate spreading method also meant that the nutrients in the slurry were not used as efficiently as possible.

“With conventional slurry spreading, we were unable to apply the slurry close enough to the ground or with sufficient precision.” Martin Ebrecht, farmer

Retrofitting the BlackBird trailing shoe applicator

To improve slurry distribution, Ebrecht KG retrofitted its existing slurry tanker with a BlackBird trailing shoe applicator with a working width of 15 metres.

The BlackBird trailing shoe applicator deposits the slurry in narrow bands close to the ground. Its pointed trailing shoes move easily between the plants, placing the slurry beneath the crop while minimising crop contamination.

The robust design and controlled slurry placement also make the trailing shoe applicator suitable for spreading on the farm’s steep terrain.

Improved nutrient utilisation

Precise slurry placement reduces contact between the slurry and the air. This helps limit nitrogen losses and allows the crops to utilise the nutrients more effectively.

The results were noticeable after the first season. Ebrecht KG saved around 25 tonnes of mineral fertiliser while spreading slurry more precisely and in accordance with applicable German regulations.

Results for Ebrecht KG:

Around 25 tonnes less mineral fertiliser used after the first year
Precise application of approximately 7,000 m³ of slurry per year
Controlled spreading on steep slopes
Improved utilisation of nutrients in the slurry
Reduced crop contamination
Retrofitted to the existing slurry tanker

Learn more about the BlackBird trailing shoe applicator and Vogelsang’s solutions for precise slurry spreading at Agromek 2026. Visit Vogelsang in Hall K, stand K8000.