Identifying best practices for poultry manure processing

Researchers at North Carolina State University will explore the economics, environmental outcomes and logistical strategies of poultry manure recycling technologies.

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A considerable quantity of the adult hens (broilers) which are in hen house in territory of an integrated poultry farm
A considerable quantity of the adult hens (broilers) which are in hen house in territory of an integrated poultry farm
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Researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) will explore the economics, environmental outcomes and logistical strategies of poultry manure recycling technologies.

“Our project builds on studies on the technologies available to process manure to understand how products can be derived that create economic value while reducing environmental impacts,” said Eric Edwards, assistant professor and extension specialist, NCSU,  Mahmoud Sharara, assistant professor and principal investigator on the project with NCSU and Daniela Jones, research assistant professor, NCSU.

Agriculture in North Carolina generates millions of tons of swine, turkey and broiler manure each year, which poses a threat to air-water-soil quality, human health and the environment. The development and adoption of sustainable manure processing technologies could minimize these risks.

“Manure processing technologies offer producers an opportunity to extract nutrients, fuels and byproducts to increase the economic value of manure. In an ideal world, this additional revenue stream also reduces negative environmental impacts. These technologies also help poultry producers reduce nutrient losses and emissions, particularly in high producing regions,” the researchers added.

A road map for sustainable, cost-effective poultry manure recycling

During the project, the researchers will evaluate economic conditions – including political, market and legal factors – that could impact the revenues and costs of processing and recycling agricultural manure in North Carolina.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a stakeholder and science-driven road map that helps producers better use manure recycling technologies, improve manure use efficiency and reduce agriculture’s impact on air, water and soil resources.

“This road map will show the types of technologies that lead to beneficial economic and environmental outcomes by animal type, farm size and producing location. We know that no one-size-fits-all and we are hoping our project deliverables can help guide producers based on their specific characteristics,” explained the researchers.

The two-year research project is funded by a $268,342 grant from the North Carolina Environmental Enhancement Grant (EEG) Program.

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