Projects with DARPA grant – Grups Operatius 2023
Project name: BATPORC – Best Available Techniques for Ammonia Emissions Mitigation in Pig Manure Storage Systems: Integrated Evaluation under Mediterranean Climate Conditions
Participants:
Beneficiaries:
Non-beneficiaries: Grup Gepork, SA
OPI: Fundació Universitària Balmes (Universitat de Vic-Universitat central de Catalunya)
Contracted:
Support: i+Porc Clúster del ganado porcino español
Coordination: INNOVACC Clúster català de la carn i la proteïna alternativa
Budget: 308.029,238 €
Grant: 249.910,54 €
Project summary:
The volatilization of ammonia (NH₃) represents a significant loss of nitrogen in agricultural and livestock systems, with both economic and environmental impacts. This loss not only reduces the fertilizing value of manure but also has negative environmental effects, such as respiratory diseases, water contamination, and vegetation alteration. The agricultural sector is the primary source of ammonia emissions, accounting for 93% of total emissions in Europe. In this context, Catalonia stands out as one of the main sources of ammonia emissions in Spain, particularly in areas with high livestock activity. To address this issue, regulations such as Royal Decree 306/2020 have been implemented, requiring pig farms to adopt Best Available Techniques (BAT) to mitigate these emissions.
The selection and application of BAT depend on various factors, such as climatic conditions and the type of stored manure. High temperatures and strong winds can increase ammonia emissions, while precipitation can help reduce them. Additionally, the type of manure, whether from sows, piglets, or fattening pigs, also affects emission levels. Therefore, it is necessary to review the current techniques to ensure they are effective under current environmental conditions, providing updated data that can improve ammonia emission control strategies.
The objective of the BATPORC project is to evaluate the implementation of BAT to mitigate ammonia emissions in pig manure storage systems under Mediterranean climate conditions. This project aims to apply a combination of techniques to reduce ammonia emissions in existing livestock farms, tailored to the specific characteristics of the climate and facilities. Specific project objectives include developing a pilot-scale sampling system to obtain representative data, demonstrating the efficiency of the BAT at the pilot scale, and evaluating the effect of emptying the pilot ponds on the behavior of the applied techniques.
Finally, the project plans to validate two of the evaluated techniques at the pilot scale in existing ponds at pig farms. Additionally, a technical advisory guide will be created for the livestock sector, providing technical, environmental, and economic information to assist farms in making decisions regarding the implementation of BAT. This guide will be an essential tool to ensure pig farms can adopt the most effective strategies for mitigating ammonia emissions and contributing to the sustainability of the sector.
Project co-funded by the EU through intervention 7161 of the PEPAC 2023-2027
