Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Awareness
and Demonstration for the
Atlantic Swine Research Partnership

Program Leaders
Rick Hoeg (Coordinator), Dr. David Burton, Dr. Rob Gordon, Dr. Dan Hurnik

Background
While there is an awareness of greenhouse gas (GHG) issues with Atlantic pork producers, there is a need to demonstrate practical methods of addressing theses issues at the farm level. Currently the issues of greatest importance to producers are the economics of production and environmental issues are such as odour and land base requirement for manure utilization. Achieving the widespread adoption of beneficial management practices (BMP's) for GHG mitigation will require that they address economic and environmental benefits beyond GHG mitigation potential.

Objectives
To increase the level of awareness and adoption of Atlantic pork producers in farm level BMP's that result in the reduction of GHG emissions in addition to realizing other economic and environmental benefits.

     Outreach Activities
     • Negative Air Pressure (NAP) Covers (pdf)
     • Understanding Mechanical Solid-Liquid Manure Separation (pdf)
     • On-Farm Anaerobic Digestion For Swine Operations (pdf)
     • Ammonia Management From Manure Storage/ Spreading (pdf)

Duration & Current Status
The project commenced in April 2003 and will continue until March 2006. A number of focus areas relevant to the Atlantic region were identified by the Atlantic Swine Research Partnership (ASRP) as GHG mitigation activities. It is believed these will have the greatest potential for adoption and impact on emissions. These demonstration activities will be conducted in collaboration with other GHG initiatives occurring in the Atlantic region. The ASRP currently has a series of demonstration sites throughout the region which involve:

Negative pressure manure storage covers
These covers have proven to prevent manure dilution from the significant rainfall occurring in the region and reduced odours from storage lagoons. This has enhanced the value of the manure by maintaining its nutrient status and reducing application costs by reducing the volume handled. Additional demonstration activities will focus on the economics of installing a cover and on GHG reduction and ammonia losses from the system.

Linkages between GHG mitigation and Environmental Farm Planning
Currently work is being conducted by the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) to enhance Nutrient Management Planning in the Atlantic Region including the development of a Training Course for Nutrient Management Planners and research on the development of improved tools for nitrogen and phosphorus management. This program is also promoting on-farm manure nitrogen testing and manure brokerage systems to encourage the efficient use of the nutrients contained in manure. These initiatives will provide an opportunity to better integrate GHG mitigation BMPs with BMPs for improved nutrient management.

Manure management strategies
Manure application techniques will be demonstrated which reduce the emissions of ammonia, odour and GHG's. A number of projects are being conducted in collaboration with NSAC, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and with provincial soil and crop improvement associations. Various techniques such as timing of manure application, direct injection of manure into the soil and the use of drop tubes to place manure on the soil surface are being examined. The results will aid in the development of extension materials relating to GHG emissions.

Additional opportunities in the following focus areas are being examined:

Feeding strategies to reduce nitrogen excretion from swine
By utilizing enzymes, phase feeding and amino acid balance producers are able to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus content of manure. Work is currently being conducted by the Atlantic Veterinary College which will contribute to these demonstration activities.

Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment
The NSAC is currently examining operational parameters and GHG emissions from constructed wetlands treating low strength waste from a variety of sources. These systems require no energy inputs, are easily managed and relatively inexpensive providing an attractive alternative to conventional treatment systems.

Composting systems for liquid manure treatment
Composting swine manure is an emerging technology which if managed properly can reduce GHG and odour emissions while providing reductions in volume, mass and improve the fertilizer value of the product. Composting manure can reduce GHG's by two means: by reducing nitrous oxide and methane emissions; and by replacing the use of synthetic fertilizers and GHG's associated with their production, transport and use.

Bio-gas production through anaerobic digestion of manure
European countries have effectively utilized manure digesters in cooler climates similar to Atlantic Canada. These systems deserve another look especially with rising energy costs, increased concerns of GHG emissions, odour and manure pathogens. Simple systems utilizing manure storage covers over storage lagoons may have potential for the capture and utilization of methane.

Partners
Funding for this project is from the Government of Canada Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change through the Canadian Pork Council Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Program, the Atlantic Swine Research Partnership, the Atlantic Veterinary College and the Nova Scotia Agricultural College.