Sustainability
The ATD system of manure management makes these contributions to sustainability:
Soil: Reduced compaction with lighter loads due to reduced water content
Herd: Continuous replacement of flush water with solids-free recycled water will reduce the daily fresh water demand.
Crops: Drier lighter solids will allow application whenever the field is accessible, reducing time and fuel. Solids-free irrigation water can be supplied without increasing fresh water consumption. Lagoon capacity can be increased to capture more water at any time from other sources.
Environment: Greenhouse Gases (CO2, CH4, N2O) from long term storage are eliminated. Leached nutrients found in field drains can be recovered. Fuel consumption will be reduced with lighter loads and less water spreading.
Labor: Reduced lagoon spreading. New technology offers opportunity to learn new skills,