SUSTAINABLE MANURE MANAGEMENT IN AGRICULTURE

Abstract

Nitrogen compounds, particularly from livestock manure, pose significant environmental challenges. Livestock manure generates ammonia (NH₃) emissions, contributing to nitrogen surplus, pollution, and climate-related problems. Nowadays, the intensification of livestock farming is increasing the problem; for instance, in the Netherlands, agriculture is responsible for 43% of nitrogen (N) emissions. Livestock manure is exceeding the absorptive capacity of agricultural land, leading to nutritional imbalances. As a result, Dutch farmers are facing a lot of pressure to reduce N emissions, so they have to adopt innovative manure management practices. This research investigates various manure management practices, including anaerobic digestion, manure acidification, composting, biochar, and the Lely Sphere method, by reviewing their technical, environmental, and economic implications. First, the study conducted a literature review to understand the implications of each practice, followed by a SWOT analysis to identify each practice's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This methodology helped to provide a comparative evaluation to solve the main research question: How do different manure management practices compare in their operational, environmental, and economic implications? The results contribute to understanding and determining how different manure management practices are suited to distinct environmental objectives and economic needs, enabling stakeholders to make more informed decisions regarding manure management based on their specific characteristics, demands, and needs.