Approaches to Nutrient Recovery from Dairy Manure

Manure and its associated nutrients can be valuable for crop production when it contributes to meeting plant nutrient needs. However, release of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), salts, and pathogens to the environment during manure management can contribute to numerous significant air and water quality concerns. As a result, dairies in many regions of the US are facing increased regulatory pressure. This is spurring government, industry, and farm interest in improving manure management and recovering manure nutrients through development and implementation of new technologies. To support dairy, dairy-allied industry, and agency knowledge and decision-making, this publication provides an overview of the major nutrient recovery approaches now emerging or in use for recovery or removal of P, N, K, and other salts from dairy manure, particularly after anaerobic digestion. Technologies, markets, and regulatory frameworks are evolving quickly and, as a result, this publication, its technology evaluations, associated performance, and cost estimates must be considered a time-sensitive snapshot of a changing industry.