Nitrous Oxide Release from Poultry and Pig Housing

The article investigates the scientific literature regarding N2O emissions according to housing and manure management in poultry and pig buildings. The majority of the N2O is emitted from manure storages and housing space, with small amounts emitted from the surface of passages. Many factors must be considered in successful emission evaluation, including season of the year, amount and depth of the bedding, animal density, type and floor space, feeding and watering practices, ventilation, temperature, and relative humidity. The liquid manure from poultry housing systems produces greater emissions of N2O than natural and force-dried manure. The influencing factors appeared to be manure removal frequency and the dry matter content of the manure. There are more housing types in pig barns, which differ in bedding, floor, and manure deposition. The highest N2O emissions were found in the sawdust bedding, and N2O production in slatted floor housing is lowest. This paper reports on technical options for mitigating emissions from poultry and swine contributions. The actual rate of N2O emission is highly dependent on the management strategies implemented on a farm. Consequently, improvements in management practices will affect future N2O emissions. Finally, emission factors are listed in a table.