Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic digestion (AD) may be a viable manure treatment and handling method for dairy farms. This process produces renewable energy, helps to control water pollution, reduces odors, and reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. Methane production and then the irrigation of the odorless effluent through irrigation systems during the growing season is a method of manure handling that has a beneficial impact on the environment. These systems combined with a nutrient management plan (NMP) will also improve neighbor relations and will help provide for sustainable development of the dairy industry. For an overview of AD see Anaerobic Digestion on a Dairy Farm: Overview.