Treating Swine Manure in Hog Lagoon
A county groundwater education group was awarded a grant from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund testing on swine manure in hog lagoons. Hog lagoons are one way to fertilize crops in agriculture. Manure is converted by bacteria into nitrogen, creating useful nutrients that are used as fertilizer. The purpose of the study was to see a reduction in unwanted components and dry solids in this type of manure.
The group treated a Nebraskan swine operation with EnviroZyme’s Lagoon Treatment. They dosed an appropriate amount of product per animal each month. Over the course of 12 weeks, they recorded data related to dry solids in the swine manure to see how much of the dry solids were reduced during the period of time.
After 12 weeks of dosing Lagoon Treatment in the hog lagoon, it was observed that 62% of organic nitrogen dry solids were reduced. In addition, Lagoon Treatment also reduced other solids, including:
- Phosphorous by 86.7%
- Calcium by 82.9%
- Zinc by 87.9%
- Magnesium by 93.6%
- Iron by 98%
The nutrients are bound organically as the waste is composted and plants are able to utilize them more efficiently. The group concluded that manure treated with Lagoon Treatment creates a better fertilizer that ultimately increases crop production.
Overall, these reductions helped the swine operation meet regulatory requirements. Hog lagoons must meet specific design criteria and meet state regulations, which vary depending on the state the lagoon is located in. Farmers must maintain a buffer around the lagoon to prevent overflow and to manage above-average rainfall. In anaerobic lagoons, ones that produce nitrogen, farmers have a specific process to follow in order to properly manage their lagoons. Surface water must be sampled and sent off to be analyzed. Results are able to tell farmers how much nitrogen is available to apply to crops. States also have guidelines on how to apply nitrogen to crops and may require detailed records of application.
- Rapid biological start-up
- Reduce cost of manure pit maintenance and drainage
- Reduce bad odors
Lagoon Treatment greatly benefited this swine operation by improving their fertilizer, which has a direct effect on crops.
