Manure Management Team Explores New Technology

Thanks to new technology, manure that was once considered a waste by-product, is achieving status as a useful commodity that can generate energy, build soil, and add income to an operation.  The NRCS Manure Management Technology Development Team (MMTDT) is providing technical assistance to the Farm Pilot Project Coordination Technology Summit that each spring showcases new manure management technology, practices, and projects.  Current projects like anaerobic digestion, solids separation, gasification, pyrolysis (making oil from manure), in-vessel composting, and value-added products show promise for future adoption as new or updated conservation system components.  Benefits for producers include enhanced nutrient management, odor control, pathogen reduction, energy and heat production for the farm, vermin control, mortality disposal, and the creation of value-added products.

New technologies can be introduced States under Conservation Practice Standard 629, Waste Treatment Facility.  The MMTDT reviews and comments on proposed technologies, including equipment, machinery, and amendments, to provide States with the information to decide whether an innovation is appropriate for a given production operation.

The MMTDT is developing an Alternative Manure Treatment Course in partnership with Iowa State University that will be piloted as a workshop for NRCS engineers in November 2006.
Your contact is William Boyd, Manure Management Team leader, at 336-370-3334.