An exciting technology developed by Dr. Yoo Ji-ho and his team from the Korea Institute of Energy Research promises to convert livestock manure into valuable biochar in just a day, a solution that could revolutionize manure management in animal farming. Livestock manure, which has long posed environmental and olfactory challenges, is being transformed into “black gold” rich in carbon, addressing several critical issues.
In 2022, livestock farms produced around 50 million tons of manure, with 87% traditionally used as compost or liquid fertilizer, processes that take over 60 days and release harmful nitrous oxide and ammonia. These emissions are significant: nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas, 300 times more impactful than carbon dioxide, and ammonia contributes heavily to air pollution and odors.
The new technology, termed the Manure To Biochar (MTB) process, drastically cuts down the emission of these gases by converting manure into biochar on-site, within a day. This conversion not only prevents the release of nitrous oxide and ammonia but also sequesters carbon, aiding in achieving carbon neutrality goals in agriculture.
The MTB process integrates advanced dehydration and drying technologies that reduce the manure’s moisture content significantly from over 80% to below 20%, using less than one-tenth the energy required by traditional methods. The process, demonstrated at a pilot site in Cheongyang County, is scalable and has proven its commercial viability over 100 hours of operation.
Recognizing the potential of biochar, the government has designated it a core technology for carbon neutrality in livestock farming and is looking to expand its use through strategic initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gases. This technology not only represents a major step forward in sustainable agriculture but also holds promise for global application, with plans for expansion to meet demands in countries like China, Australia, and Indonesia.
READ MORE: New process quickly transforms livestock manure into biochar
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