Video explores emerging nutrient recovery technologies that convert dairy manure into concentrated nutrients, irrigation water, and valuable soil prod
This video examines emerging nutrient recovery technologies designed to help dairy farms manage manure while recovering valuable resources. Mechanical separation technologies can already divide manure into solid and liquid fractions, but ongoing research seeks to improve these systems by concentrating nutrients, reducing pathogen risks, and producing cleaner water streams. Researchers and producers are exploring ways to further process manure so that solids can become higher-value products such as compost or worm castings, while liquids are treated to approach irrigation-quality water. These innovations could allow large dairies to generate useful byproducts rather than treating manure solely as a waste stream.
The video highlights the practical challenges that still slow adoption, including pathogen concerns, technology costs, and uncertainty about how far treatment systems can safely transform manure-derived water. Ongoing research and on-farm testing aim to address these barriers. If successful, nutrient recovery technologies could help dairies manage manure more efficiently while returning organic matter and nutrients to cropland soils that benefit from them.
Production of this video was supported by the US Environmental Protection Agency (Agreement RD-83556701) and the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation.
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Authors
Hall, S. A. and Yorgey, G.
Year Published
2017
Areas of Focus
Agricultural Practices, Climate & Environment, and Value from Waste
Topics
Livestock and Waste Management
Funding Sources
- US Environmental Protection Agency
- Water Environment & Reuse Foundation