Economic analysis of pig manure treatment options in Ireland.

Abstract

An economic analysis was performed on treatment options for pig manure in Ireland. Costs were based on a 500 sow integrated pig farm producing 10,500 m3 of manure per year at 4.8 % dry matter. The anaerobic digestion of pig manure and grass silage (1:1; volatile solids basis) was unviable under the proposed tariffs, with costs at Euro 5.2 m-3 manure. Subsequent solid-liquid separation of the digestate would cost an additional Euro 12.8 m-3 manure. The treatment of the separated solid fraction by composting and of the liquid fraction by integrated constructed wetlands, would add Euro 2.8 and Euro 4.6 m-3 manure, respectively to the treatment costs. The cost analysis presented showed that the technologies investigated are currently not cost effective in Ireland. Transport and spreading of raw manure, at Euro 4.9 m-3 manure (15 km maximum distance from farm) is the most cost effective option.