Lime is usually used to raise the pH level of livestock waste. One limitation to lime treatment is the immediate loss of ammonia from the manure. Lime should never be added to manure in a poorly ventilated or confined space. Biological Treatment Anaerobic Lagoons Anaerobic lagoons stabilize livestock manure by taking advantage of natural processes. In the absence of oxygen, all high-strength organic wastes, such as livestock manure, will be digested by anaerobic bacteria.
Volume is reduced due to conversion of solids to methane gas and carbon dioxide.
Anaerobic lagoons for livestock manures also have several limitations. Lagoons create odors. Ammonia nitrogen is lost. Large size is necessary. One group of bacteria converts organic wastes to organic acids.