Exploring Agricultural Options Improperly managed manure and excessive use of nitrogen on soils contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The growth and concentration of the livestock industry and resulting pollutants from unmanaged livestock wastes can degrade the environment, and methane emitted from decomposing manure may contribute to global climate change. The findings of a recent study indicate that one management system not only provides pollution prevention, but also can convert a manure problem into a new profit center. According to Phil Lusk, of Resource Development Associates, the anaerobic digestion of livestock manure is a commercially available technology with considerable potential for providing valuable coproducts, including a methane-rich renewable fuel called biogas .
Farmers often cite non-economic reasons for installing an anaerobic digester.
In Europe, centralized digestion systems are increasingly popular because of the economies of scale. Over time, however, I think you will see more of them. The biogas produced from the digestion process is commonly used in engines to produce electricity. More Efficiently When organic nutrients are used more efficiently, according to EPA economist Clay Ogg, there are major benefits in potential fertilizer savings for farmers, not to mention benefits in reducing greenhouse gas emission and water quality problems. Studies by agronomists and economists indicate that farmers could save between 20 to 40 percent on fertilizer expenses through greater efficiency of use.