Evaluation of Manure Management Systems (MMS) and Cost-Share Programs for Mitigating Livestock Environmental Impacts

dc.contributor.authorHammond, Jillian Brinen
dc.contributor.committeechairWhite, Robinen
dc.contributor.committeememberWhite, William A.en
dc.contributor.committeememberGupta, Anubhaben
dc.contributor.departmentAnimal and Poultry Sciencesen
dc.date.accessioned2025-01-16T09:00:24Zen
dc.date.available2025-01-16T09:00:24Zen
dc.date.issued2025-01-15en
dc.description.abstractAnimal agriculture is a climate-exposed industry, creating the need to implement climate-smart manure management practices to alleviate manure's pollutive potential through greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) and excess nutrient management. Manure management systems (MMS) require high initial investment for implementation and are often incentivized by cost-share programs that assume part of the implementation cost. The objective of Chapter 3 was to quantitatively summarize the literature on GHGe and manure nutrient composition in response to MMS use. Included studies provided data on the following: system size (L), species type, days stored, manure type (i.e. whole slurry, digestate, fractions, etc.), MMS type (anaerobic digestion, solid-liquid separation, covered and uncovered storage, composting systems, or mixed MMS use), and manure emissions and nutrient composition pre- and -post MMS use. The data were used to derive emissions coefficients and explore pollution reduction correlations between MMS with different pollution targets. A key takeaway is that there is inadequate data for MMS efficacy when used across species and location. This limits the accuracy of predictions made with the derived coefficients and limits the accuracy of which cost-share programs can be designed to achieve pollution reductions. Chapter 2 had the objective of exploring the strengths and weaknesses of cost-share programs. The complimentary analysis of historical cost-share data coupled with a stated-preference survey identified prioritization of MMS targeting GHGe as the most efficient and effective use of cost-share funding. The analysis also revealed that producer willingness to pay (WTP) has not changed over the decade, but that cost-share program structure should be equipped to account for higher pollution reduction prices while promoting MMS longevity. The pursuit of sustainability relies on the continuation of cost-share programs and MMS that focus on all facets of pollution reduction.en
dc.description.abstractgeneralLivestock contribute to climate change by emitting greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) and excess nutrients from their manure, impacting air and water quality. Manure management systems (MMS) further process manure for alternative uses while minimizing environmental harm. These systems are expensive and often require incentives for farmers to integrate them into their operations. Cost-share programs provide incentive by sharing a portion of MMS implementation cost. To ensure these programs utilize funding efficiently, agencies must be informed on the efficacy of each MMS and understand the influence different species manure and location can have on its performance. In response, our work aimed to identify the strengths and gaps within MMS literature and determine MMS ability to reduce pollution. Furthermore, we explored opportunities to improve existing cost-share programs, gauged the ability of MMS to maintain co-benefits between air and water quality reductions, and used current farmer perspectives to inform cost-share program structure. Towards that goal, a literature search of MMS efficacy was conducted, and studies were included if they provided data regarding MMS type (anaerobic digester, solid-liquid separation, composting, covered/uncovered storage, and mixed-system use), system size (L), species type, manure type (i.e. manure consistency and state), days stored, and the emissions or nutrient composition of manure before and after MMS use. A key finding from this work was that there is not enough data on MMS as they are used across species and location to accurately inform cost-share programs. Additionally, an analysis of historical cost-share data from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and a survey gauging producer attitude about cost-share programs was also conducted. This work highlighted that MMS targeting GHGe or both pollution types should be implemented, and incentivizing those MMS may require more funding than before. To continue to combat climate change, current and accurate estimates of MMS capabilities are needed, and cost-share programs need to reorient focus towards implementing GHGe focused MMS or those addressing all areas of manure pollution.en
dc.description.degreeMaster of Scienceen
dc.format.mediumETDen
dc.identifier.othervt_gsexam:42165en
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10919/124214en
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subjectGreenhouse gas emissions (GHGe)en
dc.subjectManure Management Systems (MMS)en
dc.subjectlivestocken
dc.subjectCost-shareen
dc.subjectmanureen
dc.subjectclimate changeen
dc.subjectnutrient pollutionen
dc.titleEvaluation of Manure Management Systems (MMS) and Cost-Share Programs for Mitigating Livestock Environmental Impactsen
dc.typeThesisen
thesis.degree.disciplineAnimal and Poultry Sciencesen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.levelmastersen
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Scienceen

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