COMPOSTING AS ONE OF THE SIMPLE AND CHEAPEST METHODS TO REDUCE GHG EMISSIONS FROM COW MANURE - CONCLUSIONS FROM THE MILKEY AND MELS PROJECTS

The aim of the work was to present the role of composting as one of the simple and cheapest methods to reduce GHG emissions from cow manure - conclusions from the MilKey and MELS projects. The article contains both the results of some studies analyzed within the above projects, as well as the methodology of conducting composting studies. The method of managing animal waste by composting or co-composting has been known for a long time and used in many places around the world. However, this is not always done in an appropriate way, both economically and ecologically. Improper storage of manure, its holding time, the way it is applied to the field and finally its use as fertilizer are quite significant for ammonia and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. These types of issues are typical of areas of intensive animal production, where farmers use natural fertilizers (slurry, manure) to increase the humus layer on agricultural fields. Most developing or still underdeveloped countries (including Poland) are undergoing intensive changes in the area of sustainable processing of natural fertilizers. The modern rules of the new Common Agricultural Policy of Poland, defined for 2021-2027, provide for the transition of farmers to sustainable agricultural production. One of the key elements for Polish farmers will be the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from farms by introducing agricultural techniques (e.g. through appropriate nutrition or agrotechnical treatments). In addition, increasing market pressure is expected due to consumer expectations to confirm the sustainability of animal production.