Manure – A Multi-Purpose Resource : ”Things are Changing in the Barnyard!”

1. Manure – A Multi-Purpose Resource:”Things are Changing in the Barnyard!” Bruce T. BowmanExpert Committee on Manure Management Canadian Agri-Food Research Council London, ON Presented to: Nova Scotia Soil & Crop Improvement Association February 22, 2005

2. Presentation Outline • Conserving and Recycling Manure Nutrients • Relevance and links to manure processing • Manure Processing – Anaerobic Digestion • Renewable Energy & Livestock Farming • New Opportunities – rural revitalization, diversification, and energy independence • Micro CHP distributed power generation

3. Manure ManagementPriority Issues Three priority issues to manage: • Nutrients • Odours • Pathogens............................. but also……. • Water volumes • Carbon = Energy $$$ Context:Presentation will be more applicable for larger confined livestock operations than for grazing-based systems.

4. Conserving Nutrients:Gaseous Nitrogen losses from Manure • Two major loss pathways: • As volatile ammonia (NH3) • As nitrous oxide (N2O) (greatest impact of GHGs – 310x effect of CO2) • Gaseous losses can occur at any stage of handling with continued exposure to air.

5. Conserving Nutrients:Ammonia losses from Manure • pH 9.4 [NH3] / [NH4+] = 0.50 (50%) @(20°C)pH 7.5   [NH3] / [NH4+] = 0.018 (1.8%)pH 7.0   [NH3] / [NH4+] = 0.0056 (0.56%)Keep pH near 7 (neutrality) to minimize NH3 losses • Ammonium (NH4+)- non-volatile; Ammonia (NH3)- volatile • Ammonia losses are also rapid from bare floors; Remove manure when fresh to closed storage to minimize NH3 losses.

6. Conserving Nutrients:Ammonia losses from Manure • Why should we minimize these losses? • Increasing replacement costs for commercial N = $$$- Urea production  energy intensive + GHG emissions • Ammonia emissions receiving more scrutiny from both animal and human health perspectives(smog potential – lower Fraser Valley in BC) • Ammonia - a toxic substance under CEPA (Can. Env. Protection Act) • Secondary source for nitrous oxide (N2O) production.

7. Conserving Nutrients:Nitrous Oxide Production Nitrification Oxidation ammonium nitrate Denitrification Nitrification & denitrification are biological processes 30° - 40°C Reduction** nitrogen gas nitrate

8. Conserving Nutrients:Reducing Nitrous Oxide Emissions • Maintain aerating conditions - in manure storage & handling, or in soil following land application.(e.g. avoid application on saturated soils – restricted aeration; • Reduce Exposure to Air in Storage- negative air pressure covers on lagoons reduce gaseous losses. • Reduce “labile carbon” content in manure(energy source for microbes)– 50% of carbon in digested manure is converted into biogas, depriving soil microbes of this energy source following soil application  less N2O production.(minimal negative impacts on soil quality)

9. Trends in the Fertilizer Industry-- Post WWII (1945) -- • Cheap & plentiful mineral fertilizers helped spur intensification and specialization in production agriculture after 1945. • Cereal production (cash-cropping) is often separate from livestock production, relying only on mineral fertilizers.(Mixed farming systems are usually more sustainable). • Started to create some regional nutrient surpluses(Quebec, North Carolina, Chesapeake Bay area). • Consequence:Nutrients in livestock manures originating from imported feeds - not recycled back to source for next cash-crop production cycle.

10. Food Products Human Consumption Cereal Production Nutrients O.M. Manure Wastes Local Farm Landfills LARGE-SCALE NUTRIENT FLOWS Recycling Nutrients & Organic Matter Nutrient inputs Annual Mineral Fertilizer Additions Nutrients & O.M. NOT recycled Regional nutrient excesses

11. Reasons to Recycle Livestock Nutrients • Many confined livestock operations import more nutrients than they export, resulting in nutrient accumulations.(US studies - NE, WA, PA) … not sustainable in long term. • Can not continue to increase N loadings and still maintain current nitrate water quality standards. • Human activities doubled global N fixation rate in 20th century. • In many countries, P is considered a non-renewable resource – finite supply, some of which have high heavy metal contents (e.g. Cd in phosphate from Idaho).

12. Whole Farm Nutrient Balances(Budgets) • Balancing Nutrient INPUTS & OUTPUTSat farm-scale or at small watershed-scale.– Next stage in Nutrient Management Planning & Source Water Protection. • As more precise nutrient management planning is implemented, many farmers will discover nutrient surpluses somewhere within their land base. • Recent Studies in U.S.A. show that majority of farms studied have nutrient surpluses,esp. Nitrogen. (INPUT/OUTPUT > 1.5)(Koelsch & Lesoing, 1999; Cogger, 1999)

13. Managing On-Farm Nutrient Surpluses • Three Options(singly or in combination) • Reduce nutrient inputsto balance nutrient exports from the land base(e.g. improved feeding strategies – nutrient use efficiency e.g. phytase). • Increase land basefor applying manure nutrients (buy, rent more land or contract for exporting excess manure;Exporting liquid manure nutrients < 15 km radius (economics). • Export surplus nutrientsfrom the farm in the form of value-added products(new revenue - organic fertilizers/amendments).

14. Requirements for Exporting Surplus Livestock Nutrients • The need to export surplus nutrients will increase with further intensification of livestock operations. • Criteria for exporting manure nutrients: • Odour-free • Pathogen-free • Dewatered (dried) for transportation Manure processing can address these issues.

15. What is Manure Processing? • ….“Treating” the entire manure volume to reduce odours & pathogens.Two best technologies: • Anaerobic digestion – high cost, greater revenue • Composting– low-cost, limited revenue • Manure processing can provide the farmer withincreased flexibilityfor managing surplus nutrients, while solving other environmental problems.

16. Economic Renewable energy generation- energy independence Export surplus Livestock nutrients Emission reduction trading credits Tipping fees – food-grade wastes - 20 – 25% energy boost Environmental Reduce odours & pathogens- flexibility to export surplus nutrients Conserve nutrients (N)- reduce mineral fertilizer use Reduce emissions- GHGs & ammonia Why Digest Manure?Potential Benefits Societal • Reduce siting / zoning problemsRegain public support • Opportunity for new rural partnerships

17. Yield / Productivity Environmental Protection Societal Concerns Balancing Issuesin a Sustainable Farming Operation • 1. Yield/Productivity (economics)2. Environmental Protection • Both are science-based Pre-1965 Since 1970s  2-D • 3.Societal Concerns • Perception-based, emotional • Can over-ride other 2 factors. • Opposition difficult to reverse once initiated Since 1990s  3-D

18. Anaerobic DigestionProcesses

19. Anaerobic DigestionA Few Facts • Mimicking fermentation in a ruminant stomach.(most digesters are mesophylic ~ 37°C – body temp.) • Kills weed seeds – reduces herbicide use. • pH often increases about 0.5 unit during digestion. • Closed system– no nutrient or gaseous losses (e.g. N) - closer N:P ratio than with raw manure • About 50% of carbon  biogas(CH4 + CO2, 65:35, tr. H2S)- (nutrients in more plant available, predictable form)

20. Anaerobic Digestion…….. More Facts • Certain antibiotics can HALT digestion processes • Solids range: up to ~ 13%(easily pumpable) • Hydraulic Retention Time:(processing time):- 20–35 days @ 37°C • Odour Reduction:~ 90 % or more • Pathogens Reduced to:~ 1/1000 – 1/10,000 (mesophylic);- Eliminate pathogens by pasteurizing (1hr @ 70°C)

21. Managing Dead StockA Waste + Nutrient Issue • Currently a waste issue that costs the farmer to manage – end products have lost their value since BSE crisis - can’t recycle animal protein through feed system – e.g. bonemeal has lost much of its value • Current disposal methods have limitations • Burial – limited capacity, point source pollution potential • Incineration – N and C lost, minerals?; emission issues renewable energy recovery possible • Composting – cost recovery for composted solids

22. Managing Dead StockA Waste + Nutrient Issue • Anaerobic Digestion – best solution for deadstock and for animal rendering – 2 valuable end products • Renewable energy recovery (heat, electricity) • Organic fertilizer/amendment end product • Conserves N, P & some C for recycling back to land • Minimizes odour problems; eliminates pathogens • Pre-treatment = shredder + Pressure/Temperature- treated waste virtually all digestible - possible elimination of BSE prions

23. Types of Anaerobic Digesters Courtesy of: US EPA AgStar Handbook

24. Components of a Complete Mix Mesophillic Digester Hydraulic reactor Buffer tank - Premix Remove foreign materials Combined Gas + Effluent Storage Co-Gen Set Grid Courtesy:Rentec Renewable Technologies

25. Manure ProcessingAnaerobic Digestion • Low Tech • High Tech

26. Barriers to Adoptionof Anaerobic Digesters • Initial Investment / Payback Issues • Regulatory Issues • Reliability, Trust & Expertise • Managing Complexity

27. Overcoming Barriers to Adoption of Anaerobic Digesters • Initial Investment / Payback Opportunities • $300K - $5M, depending on scale of operation– Plant Life = 20 – 30 yr – Payback = <10 yr (electricity, solids sales, emission credits) • Policy changes - Environmental Loan Guarantees & Tax Incentives– to assist farmer in managing initial capital risks • Payback - What is the value of odour/pathogen-free manure products to the farmer?– change from societal opposition to support (partnerships)

28. Overcoming Barriers to Adoption of Anaerobic Digesters • Potential Revenue Streams • Electricity Purchase Agreements– Net Metering, Dual Metering – Peak Demand Generation– Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan - leading provinces– may be sufficient to be energy independent; delivered power ~ 2 x generating costs (ON = 12 - 15¢/kwh) • Sale of Processed Solids/ Org. Fertilizers– excess nutrients exported – promotes nutrient re-use • Emission Trading System currently developing- sell credits for reducing emissions- current value of e-CO2 ~ $10/tonne • Tipping Fees for Receiving Food-Grade Wastes– boost biogas output (20 – 30%)  increases revenue

29. Overcoming Barriers to Adoption of Anaerobic Digesters • Regulatory Issues • Electrical generation– interconnects / net meteringPower Utilities starting to change policies for small renewable energy generators (up to 500 kw) • Off-farm biomass inputs(boost biogas production)can result in C. of A.s – regulations being changed to allow <20% food-grade wastes • Managing emissions / dischargesBiogas flare, potential ghg, or liquid discharges • Fertilizer/amendment products(quality, certification)– labeling requirements

30. OvercomingBarriers to Adoptionof Anaerobic Digesters • Reliability, Trust & Expertise • Small installed digester base in Canada(12 – 18 in advanced design or already built) • Limited knowledgeable Canadian design/build firms- limited track record • Demonstration Program – AAFC/NRCAN - 3 yr - Energy Co-generation from Agricultural/Municipal Wastes (ECoAMu)4 digesters (AB – Beef; SK – Hogs; ON – Beef; QC - Hogs) ManureNet http://res2.agr.gc.ca/initiatives/manurenet/en/hems/ecoamu_main.html

31. OvercomingBarriers to Adoptionof Anaerobic Digesters • Managing Complexity • A.D. adds yet another new technology to be managed by farmer– Time; Skill-sets • Service agreements • Co-Gen – Power Utility – electricity export • Remote monitoring & process control in real-time – practical technology now available

32. - 15% feed costs Revenue #2 Electricity Export Anaerobic Digester Cereal Production CO2 Heat Revenue #1 Nutrient Export Nutrient Surplus Organic Fertilizer Electricity Integrated Livestock Farming System Closed Loop Single Farm Energy Centre Nutrient inputs <20% Off-Farm Food-Grade Wastes Nutrient Recycling Co-gen Surplus Co-Located Industries Bio-ethanol plant Greenhouses (Veg., Flowers) Fish Farm Non-Ag Uses Home gardens Turf/golf Parks Local Farm Revenue #3 Optional

33. CO2 Resource Centre Electricity Heat Clean Water Local MunicipalOrganics Rendering, Deadstock A Centralized Co-operative Rural Energy System Potential Components DewateredDigestate Organic Fertilizers LiquidDigestate water Co-gen Food GradeOrganics Co-Located Industries Greenhouses (Veg., Flowers) Fish Farm Slaughterhouse Bio-ethanol plant Wet Distillers Grain - 15% savings

34. Challenges Facing Confined Livestock Operations • Increasing price volatility(The China factor) • Less reliable supplies(Declining fossil reserves) • Increasing N fertilizer costs Energy Environment / Health Economics • Increasing regulations – nutrients, pathogens • Municipal waste issues (biosolids) • Rendering / deadstock – limited uses/value • GHG emission reductions – Kyoto protocol • Increasing livestock intensities – odour • Continuing vulnerability of farm incomes • Increasing costs of compliance

35. Re-DefiningConfined Livestock Farming • Future livestock farming will be structured around bio-energy  energy independence using co-gen technologies. • Facilitate conservation and recycling of resources(nutrients, carbon = $$$) • Create greater diversification of income income stabilization (independent from commodity prices!)- Green Electricity- Processed manure solids- Emission Trading Credits- Co-located integrated industries- Tipping fees for food-quality wastes (energy boost)

36. Re-Defining Confined Livestock Farming • Substantially reduce existing environmental issues– reduced odours, pathogens  greater societal support– greater flexibility for applying/selling processed manure • Strengthen rural economy utilizing more local inputs (employment, resource inputs – biomass crops)- Municipality can be a partner (wastes, buy energy)- Farm co-ops take increased control of rural businesses Produce value-added products on-farm- Reduced transportation costs for manufacturing (bio-based)

37. Farm Bio-Energy CentresAs Integrators & Facilitators Electricity Manure solids Emission credits Tipping fees GHG reductions Deadstock Income Stabilization Environmental Solutions Odours Pathogens Nutrient export & Recycling Reduce herbicide use Independent Of Livestock prices Heat Electricity Clean water CO2 Farm Bio-Energy Energy Independence Rural Revitalization Municipal Organic wastes Co-located industries Local biomass inputs

38. Considering a Digester? • First Steps(courtesy of Penn State Univ. Extension) • Do your homework — read background info on biogas • Seek preliminary technical assistance • Talk to digester owners • Talk to your electric power company – safety/connects • Investigate potential financial incentives such as tax credits and loans • Talk to digester system designers and installers Selecting a Digester - ManureNethttp://res2.agr.ca/initiatives/manurenet/en/man_digesters.html#Selecting

39. Micro CHP(Combined Heating and Power)Distributed Power Generation Electricity + Heat generated at each residence Small engine + generator  replace furnace & water heater 85 % efficiency Grid

40. Micro CHP(Combined Heating and Power)Distributed Power Generation

41. Micro CHP(Combined Heating and Power)Advantages • More efficient use of resources (15% vs 60% loss) (39 vs 85 % efficiency) • Micro CHP units run on natural gas or biogas • Excess electricity exported to grid (10 kw units - $$) • Blackout & Terrorist proof (totally distributed generation) • Significant GHG reductions • Almost eliminate line losses (electricity used on-site) • In Ontario – 2 million homes would produce 10,000 Mw – equivalent to several nuclear power plants • No environmental assessments required – minor impacts • Several thousand units being tested in Europe & Japan; USA senate holding hearings on technology potential

42. Resource Information on http://res2.agr.gc.ca/initiatives/manurenet/manurenet_en.html • 6,000 external web links • Several hundred digital technical/research reports • Manure Treatment • Digester Compendium • Nutrient Recovery • Ammonia Emissions • Nutrient Management • Environmental Issues • GHG Emissions • Odour Management • Land Application • Storage & Handling • Housing / Feedlots • Feeding Strategies • Codes, Acts, Regulations • Health & Safety • Links • Digital Library • Expertise • Environmental Archive (150 digital reports)