Farm Manure-to-Energy Initiative.

The “Farm Manure-to-Energy Initiative" was established to recycle poultry litter in nutrient surplus watersheds into 1) heat energy and, 2) a nutrient dense material thereby reducing shipping costs to allow for application in nutrient deficient watersheds. Overall, this project was designed to demonstrate and evaluate the technical, environmental, and financial feasibility of manure-to-energy technologies as a means to reduce pollution from land-applied manure in phosphorus “hotspots” in the Chesapeake Bay region. Four demonstration technologies were installed on commercial poultry farms, with heat capture designed to supply heating to poultry production houses and ash co-products assessed for nutrient availability and handling. The use of poultry litter ash co-products as a fertilizer source was demonstrated on wheat, corn and soybean crops in the Mid-Atlantic. To address handling issues, the feasibility of ash granulation to aid in soil application was also demonstrated on a pilot scale.  The Initiative partners have developed a website clearinghouse of resources and case study information (www.extension.org/pages/68455) and expect to  provide training for farmers and technical service providers regarding manure to energy technologies. To assist with future adoption of the practice,  the Initiative investigated financing options and has provided a summary of financing options for installing farm-scale systems on the website. With project completion, new techniques have been advanced to help ensure that poultry growers remain competitive and environmentally sustainable in the Mid-Atlantic region.