Biochar Supplementation of Recycled Manure Solids: Impact on their characteristics and GHG Emissions during storage

Description

Recycled manure solids (RMS) are increasingly adopted in dairy farming for their economic ad-vantages and their role in improving nutrient recycling and waste management; however, con-cerns regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during storage persist. This study assessed the effects of biochar supplementation at 2.5% (2.5B) and 10% (10B), compared to untreated RMS (C-) and acidified RMS (C+), on GHG emissions, measured continuously and intermittently, and RMS characteristics during one-month storage period. Results showed that addiction of biochar in-creased micronutrient and heavy metal concentration (with the exception of molybdenum (Mo)), as well as potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) content by the end of the 1-month period. Howev-er, it decreased sodium (Na), phosphorus (P) and total organic carbon (TOC) content. Among treatments, 10B consistently demonstrated the greatest reductions in emissions with a decrease, relative to C- treatment, of 32% for carbon dioxide (CO₂), 47% for nitrous ocide (N₂O) and 32% regarding the global warming potential (GWP). Cumulative methane (CH4) emissions did not show significant differences. Continuous monitoring captured transient emission peaks, highlight-ing the importance of high-resolution assessments. Despite the emissions generated during biochar production, its application in RMS bedding systems offsets these environmental costs by mitigat-ing GHG emissions and increasing nutrient content. These findings highlight the potential of bio-char application as a sustainable manure management strategy. Future research should focus on long-term field trials and optimizing biochar production to maximize environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness in dairy farming.

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