Cutting methane emissions from manure storage

A leading project by: Alzchem Group AG (Germany) – Subcategory: Circularity and Climate neutrality.

After years of scientific research, the Alzchem Group has developed an additive to cut methane emissions by over 90%. When added to manure, the additive stops methane emissions for up to nine months. Once the manure is applied to fields, no methane forms under aerobic conditions, making the effect permanent.

Comprehensive emission reductions

Research has shown that the additive not only eliminates methane emissions but also significantly reduces other greenhouse gases such as CO2, nitrous oxide (N2O), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Independent research institutes confirmed these results, with trials showing methane emissions reduced by 96%, CO2 by 77%, and nitrous oxide by 73%.

Ongoing research and implementation

The project is ongoing, with unpublished studies in Spain, Ireland, Denmark, and the US further proving the emission reduction capabilities. After developing a product formulation, registering a patent, and conducting numerous demo applications, the additive was first introduced in Germany and Austria in fall 2021, followed by Belgium and the Netherlands.

Benefits for farmers

A pilot group of farmers reported that the additive improved the physical properties of the slurry. The absence of methane bubbles keeps the slurry homogeneous, reduces foam formation, and creates a smaller floating layer. This homogeneity requires less energy-intensive stirring, ensures even nutrient distribution, and reduces storage volume needs. Further research is planned to assess the impact on animal welfare considering to the lack of gaseous emissions in barns.

Enhancing biogas plant performance

The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture is funding a three-year research project to investigate whether the technology can enhance biogas plant performance. Initial results suggest that slurry emitting less methane before reaching biogas plants can generate significantly more biogas.

Understanding the microbiome

Research also explores how the additive works in liquid manure, aiming to understand how it prevents the breakdown of complex organic compounds into methane and CO2. Nanopore sequencing revealed that the additive does not kill the microbiome and may increase biodiversity, leading to slower degradation.

Combining with acid treatment

A new patent reveals that the additive can be used with acid treatment of manure, which is increasingly used to reduce ammonia emissions. Combining these treatments lowers emissions of methane, nitrous oxide, and CO2, reducing the carbon footprint of farms affordably.

The role of policy and innovation

The project also involves engagement with politicians and NGOs to shape policies that enable farmers and promote climate protection through specific incentives. It is essential to recognise that farmers alone cannot shoulder the burden of cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This innovation offers an easy and immediately implementable technique with low carbon mitigation costs, playing a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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