Abstract
By-products from forestry, agriculture and nature areas are used in compost bedded-pack housing (CBP) systems for animals. In this communication, we discuss the application of a CBP system to animal farms and aspects related to the recycling and reuse of the materials in the context of a circular economy. This study is based on data from ongoing projects and literature. The following systems are discussed: (i) composting material applied to a specialized animal housing system; (ii) adding a horticultural component to the animal farm by reusing the compost, and (iii) a cooperative mixed cattle and crop farming system. The success of integrating a compost bedding component in the system depends largely on the skills of managing the composting process, the application of the material in the field, and the cost of acquiring the material. When materials are amply available, then a real contribution to the circular economy can be made. Cooperation between farmers in the utilization of by-products is another route to a more circular economy. Moreover, the analyzed systems can be seen as a Greenhouse Gases (GHG) mitigation practice because they store carbon in the soil and improve soil quality.
Highlights
There are many definitions of circular economy [1]
We focus mainly on the bedding materials used in cattle barns, especially the innovative compost bedded-pack (CBP) barns where the materials are gradually mixed with animal excreta and regularly aerated
The recycling and reuse of by-products in agriculture can contribute to a sustainable circular economy
Summary
There are many definitions of circular economy [1]. One definition is “an economic system of closed loops in which raw materials, components and products lose their value as little as possible, renewable energy sources are used, and system thinking is at the core”. The recycling and reuse of materials in agriculture contribute to a sustainable circular economy. An example is the recycling of wood remnants from sawmills, straw from grain farming, grass cuttings from nature areas and roadsides, and discarded thatch from roofs. Such materials are used in animal housing as bedding. One cubicle per cow is ideal and a limited amount of bedding material is used (see Figure 1). Althoouugghh hoouussiinngg coonnssttrruuccttiioonnrreeqquuiirreemmeennttssaannddccoossttssddiiffffeerraammoonnggccoouunnttrriieess tthheerree iiss aa ggeenneerraall aaggrreeeemmeenntt tthhaatt tthhee CCBBPP ssyysstteemm hhaass hhiigghheerr bbeeddddiinngg ccoossttss tthhaann ccuubbiiccllee hhoouussiinngg [[22,,1100,,1111]]. (4) Literature sources (39), which supported descrmibainnaggtehmeemnteroiftboefdcdoimngpomsattbeeridadlsiningpmoautletrryiahl osuysstinemg.s(4fo) rLiatecriarctuurlearsoeucorcneosm(3y9.), which supported describing the merit of compost bedding material systems for a circular economy Processes 2022, 10, 518 and ammonia emissions from the barns and fields. (3) Information about the management of bedding materials in poultry housing. (4) Literature sources (39), which supported descrmibainnaggtehmeemnteroiftboefdcdoimngpomsattbeeridadlsiningpmoautletrryiahl osuysstinemg.s(4fo) rLiatecriarctuurlearsoeucorcneosm(3y9.), which supported describing the merit of compost bedding material systems for a circular economy
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