Manure

Thermochemical processing is a high-heat way to turn farm waste into fuel, fertilizer, and other useful products. Farm waste like poultry litter can be processed at high temperatures into things like bio-oil, biochar, or gas, using heat and special systems.

Animal waste includes dairy and swine livestock manure and poultry litter. This waste is normally applied directly on agricultural fields as an important fertilizer source. Animal waste technologies can be used to process this waste and provide added value.

Composting is a natural, biological process that transforms organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner called “compost.” Composting involves the controlled aerobic decomposition of organic waste, including kitchen waste (such as fruit, vegetables, and coffee grounds) and yard waste (such as leaves and grass clippings). The composting process produces heat, which decreases pathogens, viable seeds, and the volume of the organic materials. Composting reduces greenhouse gas emissions and allows nutrients from waste to be returned to the agricultural production systems, enhancing the circular bioeconomy.

Anaerobic digestion is a technological process that transforms waste into renewable energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. During anaerobic digestion, biogas is produced from a natural consortium of microbes that break down biodegradable material inside a sealed, oxygen-free reactor. Anaerobic digesters can use a wide range of waste, such as food scraps, manure, crop waste, or sewage sludge. 

Maryland’s Nutrient, Animal Waste, and Technology Landscape summarizes and offers an updated perspective on the current conditions presented in the Maryland Animal Waste Technology Assessment and Strategy Planning Report.