Acidification of slurry has proven to be an effective method for reducing ammonia and methane emissions in pig farming, as demonstrated in our SAFT project, and SAFT2cattle now aims to transfer and adapt this approach for cattle farming. The method is being further developed through carbonate precipitation using calcium additives and a two-stage separation process to significantly reduce acid demand and overall treatment costs.

But the use of sulfuric acid limits applicability in organic farming and raises environmental and technical concerns. In addition, there is currently a lack of economically viable retrofit solutions for existing cattle operations.

Therefore, SAFT2cattle focuses on developing a cost- and resource-efficient acidification technique for cattle slurry that can be implemented as a modular retrofit solution for both conventional and organic farms. The system is designed not only to reduce emissions but also to be compatible with biogas production. Additionally, the amount of acid used will be significantly reduced with multiple techniques. Alongside the new modules for carbonate precipitation and slurry separation, an alternative method for pH estimation based on volumetric carbonate content is being developed. The full system will be tested at pilot and practical scale and evaluated with respect to emission reduction, nutrient balance, biogas potential, and overall economic viability.

Duration: 10.05.2023 bis 09.05.2026

Funding-ID: 281C602A21

Website Federal Office for Agriculture and Food:  https://service.ble.de/

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH). The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) is the project sponsor as part of the BMLEH's Federal Livestock Farming Programme.