Research on the efficiency of manure and granular manure fertilizers in terms of costs and environmental pollution

The increase in the use of chemical fertilizers soil quality deteriorates, increases greenhouse gas emissions into the air, and water pollution. Also, livestock manure increases GHG, mainly due to the emission of dinitrogen monoxide. And the agricultural sector accounts for the largest share of NH₃ emissions in the European Union. Therefore, granular organic fertilizers are used to supplement the soil with the necessary substances for plants and reduce the negative effects of chemical fertilizers and livestock manure. The aim of this study is to determine the costs of manure and manure pellet fertilization, as well as the impact on the environment. The research was conducted in Lithuania. Costs are calculated for mechanized technological operations (fertilizer loading, transportation, and spreading). Different rates of organic fertilizer were used for costs calculation: manure 16.0 t ha⁻¹, manure pellet 2.0 t ha⁻¹. Experimental research of NH₃ emissions is performed on a laboratory stand using the mass flow method of laser spectroscopy. Samples were placed in a wind tunnel section and sealed with a cover. A gas analyzer GME700 was used to measure the ammonia gas concentration. At the start of the study, the gas analyzer was programmed to record the average NH₃ gas concentration values every minute. Experimental tests are performed until a crust forms on the surface manure. Costs have been obtained significantly higher (approximately 87.39 %) for mechanized technological operations when manure is fertilized compared to manure pellets. However, the price of manure is significantly lower (approximately 96 %). The average ammonia emission from manure pellets is significantly lower compared to manure.