Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

The management of manure is one of the most difficult, expensive and potentially limiting problems facing the agricultural industry today. This problem is particularly prevalent among that portion of the agricultural industry which pertains to confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), such as those used for dairy and swine. Typically the manure is stored in earthen ponds or lagoons and then used for irrigation (land spreading). Enclosed storage and treatment facilities for odour control, such as those used at municipal treatment plants, are too expensive to be practical for an agricultural operation. LWR identified a nation-wide need for an economical and environmental process for handling waste from CAFO's and responded with the development of a Manure Treatment System. This waste treatment system eliminates the reliance on manure storage lagoons which in turn reduces offensive odours, as well as the discharge of harmful contaminants, pathogens and greenhouse gases. The LWR Manure Treatment System produces clean water while recovering the valuable nutrients found in livestock waste by concentrating them into a useable fertilizer product. With the support of NSERC the agriculture specialists from Olds College will perform sample analysis and third party review of the newly developed LWR technology. Their report will highlight improvements necessary and/or identify any weaknesses in the system. LWR will then be able to provide this technology to the livestock industry and assist farmers in creating an environmentally sustainable marketplace.