Emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gases (GHG) from anaerobically digested and undigested dairy manure

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of livestock manure is better known for the economic advantage derived from biogas for energy rather than for its environmental benefits. Demonstration of relevant environmental benefits from AD of manure would thus enhance adoption of this technology on animal feeding operations (AFOs). The effect of AD of dairy manure on the emissions of ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gases (GHG) during manure storage and also in subsequent land applications are presented in this paper. Measurements of GHG emissions from both AD and non-AD manure storages were made using a floating chamber and a photoacoustic gas analyzer (INNOVA model 1412). Emissions of GHG were determined using the standard closed chamber method from field plots applied with AD and non-AD manure. Data obtained indicate significantly higher fluxes of GHG (CO2, N2O, and CH4) from land applied with non-AD manure than from land applied with AD manure. In addition, injection of non-AD manure seemed to further increase CH4 flux from the soil. More than 50% emissions of CO2 and CH4 were observed during the first 3 days after manure was land applied. Emissions of GHG from the anaerobic lagoon holding AD manure, during all four seasons, were significantly lower than from the anaerobic lagoon with non-AD manure. In contrast, the reverse was observed with NH3 emissions. This data demonstrate some environmental benefits for AD of dairy manure prior to its storage and field application but also some potential increased emission of NH3 during storage.