Theoretical and technical biomass resource assessment from swine and cattle manure in Tabasco: A case study in southeast Mexico

Abstract

Nowadays, the lack of a proper waste management in the livestock sector has contributed, not only to climate change with greenhouse gas emissions, but also to soil degradation and water quality deterioration. A case study was carried out in the state of Tabasco, in southeast Mexico, because it holds a significant livestock production that can be compared to some European countries. About 80% of the livestock waste in the region is not properly managed. In this respect, a biomass resource assessment was performed through an adapted methodology to quantify the livestock biomass potential according to livestock production systems, zootechnical functions and technical factors. Additionally, a weighted decision matrix (WDM) was designed to determine the most feasible technologies employing sustainability criteria. Theoretical and technical biomass potentials were obtained corresponding to 7,864,796tonnes/year and 765,947tonnes/year, respectively. As a result, the technical biomass potential is affected by the livestock production system in the region. A technical energy potential of 396,727GJ/year was calculated from livestock biomass, which could be used to energise around 7,688,510 refrigerators and replace the use of 64,030tonnes of wood. Finally, silvopastoral systems, composting and anaerobic digestion were the most feasible technologies and practices according to the WDM.