Process models have been utilized to evaluate the potential for cutting down carbon, reactive nitrogen, and phosphorus losses in an average of 150 to 1500 dairy farms in the Great Lakes region. This is done through the implementation of beneficial management practices such as diet manipulation, manure management, and field interventions. Experiments have been conducted to pinpoint areas of manure handling and processing where a significant decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be achieved. Additionally, these experiments assess the mechanisms related to the key components of emissions generated by manure processing and storage.
This new knowledge will allow for a better understanding of where GHG emissions are highest in the dairy production system, where they can be reduced, and what adaptation strategies should be implemented. A quantitative evaluation of beneficial management practices has been conducted to reduce the carbon, reactive nitrogen, and phosphorus footprint of dairy farms in the Great Lakes region. The strategies used to increase efficiency and reduce costs at dairy industries in Eau Claire, Wisconsin are focused on improving the management practices related to diet manipulation, manure management, and field interventions. These strategies are designed to reduce the total loss of carbon, reactive nitrogen, and phosphorus from dairy farms. By implementing these beneficial management practices, dairy farms can reduce their GHG emissions and improve their overall efficiency.
Additionally, these strategies can help reduce costs associated with manure processing and storage. The first step in implementing these strategies is to identify areas of manure handling and processing where a substantial reduction in GHGs can be achieved. This can be done through experiments that evaluate the mechanisms related to the key components of emissions generated by manure processing and storage. Once these areas have been identified, dairy farms can then implement beneficial management practices that will reduce their carbon, reactive nitrogen, and phosphorus footprint.
Diet Manipulation
Diet manipulation is an important strategy for reducing GHG emissions from dairy farms. By changing the diet of cows, dairy farmers can reduce their carbon footprint by reducing the amount of methane produced by cows during digestion.Additionally, diet manipulation can help reduce costs associated with feed production and storage.
Manure Management
Manure management is another important strategy for reducing GHG emissions from dairy farms. By properly managing manure storage and processing, dairy farmers can reduce their carbon footprint by reducing the amount of methane produced during decomposition. Additionally, proper manure management can help reduce costs associated with manure disposal.Field Interventions
Field interventions are also an important strategy for reducing GHG emissions from dairy farms. By implementing beneficial management practices such as cover crops or no-till farming techniques, dairy farmers can reduce their carbon footprint by reducing soil erosion and improving soil health.Additionally, field interventions can help reduce costs associated with fertilizer use. By implementing these strategies to increase efficiency and reduce costs at dairy industries in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, dairy farmers can reduce their carbon footprint while also improving their overall efficiency and reducing costs associated with feed production, manure disposal, and fertilizer use.
