Processing and Application of Composted Manures

Turning Waste into Wealth for Greener Fields

This technology focuses on the conversion and enhancement of goat and sheep manure, turning it into valuable resources for agriculture. By applying advanced processes, it adds economic and environmental value to these livestock byproducts, resulting in improved nutrient management and reduced waste, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the environment.

This technology is TAAT1 validated.

8•8

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 8/9; level of use 8/9

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

The poor: Positive medium

Under 18: Positive low

Women: Positive medium

Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

Biodiversity: Positive impact on biodiversity

Carbon footprint: A bit less carbon released

Environmental health: Greatly improves environmental health

Soil quality: Improves soil health and fertility

Water use: More water used

Problem

Manure Hazards: Goat and sheep manure may contain human pathogens and weed seeds, posing hazards to crops and the environment.
Inefficient Nutrient Utilization: Nutrients in goat and sheep urine are often wasted, and improper manure handling can lead to environmental pollution.

Solution

Composting: Composting rapidly deactivates human pathogens and weed seeds in manure, making it safe for use as compost on vegetable crops.
Value-Added Processing: Commercial technologies are available to produce organic fertilizers from goat and sheep manure, increasing its economic value and reducing waste.
Improved Nutrient Utilization: Keeping goats and sheep in pasture-based systems allows for the collection of manure, which can be dried and stored for use. This method efficiently utilizes nutrients while mitigating hazards.

Key points to design your project

The technology of Processing and Application of Composted Manures provides a solution for reducing poultry feed costs. It fosters economic growth by generating local job opportunities and advocates for sustainability through the utilization of readily available materials, leading to a decrease in environmental impact.

To integrate this technology into your project, follow these steps and prerequisites:

Invest in composting equipment suitable for your scale of operations.
Analyze the composition of manure and identify any nutritional or processing constraints.
Evaluate the cost and availability of raw materials in your local area.
Ensure compliance with environmental and sanitary regulations for operating a processing facility.

There is no licensing requirement for operating simple, farm-level manure composting, however, national environmental and sanitary regulations may apply when installing a processing factory for drying, pelleting, and composting manure.

Calculate the necessary equipment for your project. Manure drying and composting equipment able to process between 5 and 10 tons per day cost about 5,000 to 10,000 USD, including installation. Consider delivery expenses, import clearance, and applicable duties as this technology is accessible in multiple countries like Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Zimbabwe.

Engage a team of trainers to provide comprehensive support during project installation, budgeting for training and post-training assistance. Develop communication materials such as flyers, videos, and radio broadcasts to highlight the benefits of Local Production of Quality Affordable Feed and to raise awareness of the benefits of composted manures.

Collaborate with breeders and maintain close connections with local stakeholders and institutions of development.

Cost: $$$ 5000—10000 USD

Manure drying and composting equipment

200—1000 USD

Composted manure per ton

IP

Open source / open access

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested
Countries with a blue colour: Testing ongoing

Countries where the technology is being tested or has been tested and adopted
Country	Testing ongoing	Tested	Adopted
Burkina Faso	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Cameroon	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Ethiopia	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Kenya	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Mali	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Niger	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Nigeria	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Senegal	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Somalia	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
South Sudan	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Tanzania	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Uganda	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Zimbabwe	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid
Semiarid		–		–
Subhumid	–	–	–	–
Humid	–	–	–	–

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 2: zero hunger

Goal 8: decent work and economic growth

Goal 13: climate action

The production of organic fertilizer pellets from composted goat and sheep manure involves the following steps:

Crushing: The composted manure is crushed using a hammer mill capable of processing semi-wet materials.
Screening: Screening is performed either in batches or continuously along a conveyor belt. Oversized materials are reprocessed through the crusher.
Pelletizing: The fine material is pelletized by introducing small amounts of added water and applying friction through stirring. Alternatively, a vibrating granulating pan or extrusion may be used for pellet formation.
Secondary Screening: After pelletization, a second screening process is carried out to collect undersized materials for potential reuse.
Drying: Drying of the newly formed pellets is achieved most effectively by passing them along a heat tunnel conveyor. However, in some cases, air drying may be employed.