An average cow produces about 65 pounds of manure every day. If a farmer has 100 cows, just think of all of the waste they need to deal with. While you may not think about it, a lot of waste is generated in order to produce the food, feed, fiber, and natural resources we use every day.
Because of this, producers need to find safe, economical, and environmentally friendly ways of managing this agricultural waste. Let’s take a look at some of the common concepts when it comes to agricultural waste.
What Types of Agricultural Waste Are There?
Agricultural waste includes any unwanted products produced because of agricultural activities. Since the agricultural industry is so wide and varied, the waste it produces is just as varied.
In general, there are a few categories of waste: crop waste, animal waste, food processing waste, and hazardous or toxic waste. Agricultural waste can come as liquids, slurries, or solids. The type of waste that is being dealt with will determine the management options available.
What Are the Options for Managing Agricultural Waste?
The first step to managing agricultural waste is to reduce the quantity that is produced and its negative effects. Agricultural waste management begins with a reduce, reuse recycle approach.
The total solids concentration of waste, particularly manure, determines how the waste can be managed. Solid waste management has lower costs and power needs because of the decreased water volume. However, it does require greater levels of labor.
Liquid waste, on the other hand, requires a larger initial equipment cost and more management. But, it can be easily automated and requires less work on a day-to-day basis.
An abundance of care must be used when dealing with chemical or toxic waste. There are certain requirements based on state and local requirements when dealing with chemicals, their containers, or rinse water.
What Are the Goals of an Agricultural Waste Management Program?
An agricultural waste management program is a comprehensive look at what a producer plans to do with their waste. In some states, producers need to create a waste management plan and waste management schedule, especially for manure.
The importance of meeting environmental and other goals has been pushed in recent years. Waste management careers in the agriculture industry have expanded. This helps to better manage waste and other resources.
A waste management program aims to produce a net neutral or positive impact on the environment. This includes the quality of air, water, soil, plant, animal, and energy resources.
Because of this, waste management recycling has grown as technology has made more options for reuse available.
For example, a dairy operation’s management traditionally includes separating solid and liquid waste. There is usually waste storage on the farm. The farmer can then apply this waste to the land as fertilizer.
Advancements over the past few decades have made anaerobic digestion a viable option for many producers. With this option, a farmer can produce clean energy. This leaves a smaller carbon footprint and can reduce operating costs for the farmer.
Handle Agricultural Waste Safely and Economically
The differences between different types of agricultural waste make a one size fits all method of management impossible. However, new advances in technology and increased environmental concerns have changed the way it’s handled.
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