ARS | Publication request: Development of clean technologies for management of wastes from pig production and their environmental benefits

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: July 10, 2012
Publication Date: August 14, 2012
Citation: Vanotti, M.B. 2012. Development of clean technologies for management of wastes from pig production and their environmental benefits. In: Proceedings of the VI Congress of Pig Production of MERCOSUR (CPPM)/XI National Congresss of Pig Production of Argentina (CNPP), August 14-17, 2012, Salta City, Argentina.

Technical Abstract: Environmental and policy issues associated with swine production are specific for each region; however, regardless of location, these issues generally include (1) land application of manure and potential discharge of manure nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and pathogenic bacteria to surface and groundwater and (2) aerial emissions of ammonia, methane, pathogens and odor. Once dominated by many small operations as part of traditional crop-livestock farms, livestock production has become highly concentrated in large operations. This development has separated animal production from crop production. Thus, the amount of manure produced often exceeds local demand for use as fertilizer. When properly managed, manure can be used as a nutrient source for crops and to improve soil properties through accretion of soil organic matter. On the other hand, improperly managed manure can pose a threat to soil, water and air quality, and to human and animal health. Treatment technologies can play an important role in the management of livestock manure by providing a more flexible approach to land application and acreage limitations and by solving specific problems such as odors, pathogens, water pollution, ammonia emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, and phosphorus and heavy metal contamination of soils. Treatment can be enhanced with the use of biological, chemical, and physical methodologies, especially in combination as part of holistic systems that 1) are integrated with the needs of the land and other agri-food activities, and 2) maximize the value of manure through energy production, nutrient concentration and recycling, clean water, soil amendments, greenhouse gas reductions and environmental credits, and other beneficial by-products.