By Jamie Martin
Idaho’s dairy industry has long faced challenges in managing the vast amounts of manure produced by its cows. But thanks to the Idaho Sustainable Agriculture Initiative for Dairy (ISAID), a USDA-funded project, farmers are now finding new ways to turn this waste into profit. The five-year research initiative is focused on converting manure into biochar, fertilizers, bioplastics, and clean water.
One of the standout achievements is the development of “enriched biochar.” By extracting nitrogen and phosphorus from manure wastewater, researchers are able to create a slow-release fertilizer that enhances crop growth while reducing environmental impact. Field trials have shown that crops treated with enriched biochar grow as well as those using conventional fertilizers, but with fewer costs and less runoff.
Another exciting development is the creation of “hydrochar,” a phosphorus-rich soil amendment produced by heating manure under high pressure. This process locks in phosphorus, reducing the risk of water pollution and providing farmers with a reusable fertilizer source.
ISAID is also working on converting manure into biodegradable plastics. By using a fermentation process, researchers are transforming manure’s volatile fatty acids into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a type of bioplastic. This innovation could reduce the dairy industry’s reliance on traditional plastic production, benefiting both the environment and farm profitability.
Water treatment is a critical part of the project. The “Clean Water Machine” is a filtration system that purifies manure-laden wastewater, allowing farms to reuse up to 80% of their water. This could significantly cut costs and help preserve local water sources.
By developing a circular dairy bioeconomy, ISAID is helping farmers turn waste into valuable resources. These technologies promise to reduce costs, protect the environment, and improve farm profitability. As dairy farmer Jason Nunes explains, “Turning manure into high-value products is good for business, the environment, and public perception.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: National