Xavier Flotats Ripoll

This article describes different techniques that can be applied, in order of priority, to prevent NH₃ and CH₄ emissions.

In this first article on emissions, Xavier Flotats explains how the main greenhouse gases and ammonia are generated on our farms.

Using solar energy to evaporate part of the water from the slurry can be of interest, avoiding volatization of ammonia. Solar drying can be combined with other strategies.

Removing nitrogen from slurry by transforming it into N₂ can be done biologically or by physical-chemical methods, the latter of which are in the experimental phase for slurry.

Although these strategies do not include anaerobic digestion in the combination of processes and therefore do not take advantage of its benefits, they do provide a higher organic matter content in the recovered effluents.

In a surplus situation, the best option is to export the digestate obtained following anaerobic digestion. If the cost of transportation is not affordable, other alternatives should be considered. Here we explain which ones.

Composting pig manure results in a product that can be sold in the organic amendment, horticulture, and gardening market.

Among other things, anaerobic digestion improves the fertilizer quality of slurry and reduces odors and GHG emissions. The choice to use this or not will also depend on the justification of the cost, i.e. whether it allows for energy savings on the farm or whether it provides an income from the sale of the energy generated.

Solid/liquid slurry separation systems improve the subsequent management of the slurry, such as its transport or further treatment of each fraction.

Acidification of slurry prevents the formation of ammonia and its loss by volatilization, reducing the loss of fertilizer value of the slurry.

In a situation with a nutrient surplus, the cost of transport is often the most important limiting factor to consider when deciding on the best manure management system for the farm.

In a situation of nutrient balance between the nutrients produced and the needs of the crops, priority is given to the transport and application management and the fertilizer quality of the slurry. Which systems allow me to optimize these?

The complexity of our situation and the objectives to achieve will depend on the results of the nutrient balance. Where do I stand? We'll help you answer this question.

Slurry lagoons, and manure holdings in general, are fundamental tools for regulating the balance between the virtually continuous production of manure and its seasonal application to fields as fertilizer.

Fertilization is the most direct and simplest way to give value to our slurry. Here we explain several points to take into account for proper fertilization of your soils and crops.

Reducing slurry at the source means modifying production guidelines to reduce environmental effects and improve the subsequent management of slurry.