An Alternative Method for Lagoon Closure Using Phyto-Stabilization. Part 1: Premise and Potential Carbon Storage.

Swine manure treatment lagoons are constructed for a limited time of use.  Once de-commissioned, the accumulated manure solids must be dealt with in an economical, practical, and environmentally safe manner.  This study investigates the option of swine manure encasement followed by establishment of biofuel crops including both trees and forages.  Specifically, part one of the presentation explores the potential for carbon (C) sequestration in this system compared to the conventional land application approach as estimated by C degradation using a laboratory incubation technique.  An “old” (50 yr) and “new” (5 yr) swine solids samples are compared.