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In This Issue
4 Balancing Productivity and Environmental Stewardship: Nitrogen Management in California Dairies
6 Next-Generation Dairy Digesters: Leading California Toward Sustainability
12 Cutting Methane, Cultivating Sustainability: How California Dairies Are Reducing Enteric Emissions
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Productivity and Environmental Stewardship:
Nitrogen Management in California Dairies
Nitrogen (N) is a critical nutrient for crop production and soil fertility in California dairies, but its effective management is essential to meet both agronomic goals and environmental standards. With California’s dairy industry being one of the largest in the nation, balancing nitrogen inputs and outputs is particularly challenging. Excessive nitrogen can lead to nitrate contamination of groundwater, air quality concerns, and economic inefficiencies. University of California (UC) researchers have been at the forefront of studies and recommendations to help dairy farmers optimize nitrogen use while addressing regulatory requirements.
The Role of Nitrogen in Dairy Systems
Nitrogen plays a key role in plant growth, milk production, and manure management. In dairies, nitrogen enters the system primarily through feed, fertilizers, and irrigation water. It exits through milk, manure, harvested crops, and emissions to air or water. Managing this nutrient across the cycle is crucial for economic and environmental sustainability.
According to research from the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE), dairies in the Central Valley produce large amounts of manure that contain nitrogen in organic and inorganic forms. These nutrients can be beneficial for crop production when applied appropriately but become pollutants when over-applied or mismanaged.
Nitrogen Cycle and Loss Pathways
UC Davis researchers highlight that nitrogen in dairies moves through several pathways:
1. Crop Uptake: Nitrogen applied to forage crops like corn and alfalfa is taken up through roots and incorporated into plant biomass.
2. Volatilization: Ammonia gas can escape from manure during storage, handling, or field application.
3. Denitrification: Under anaerobic soil conditions, nitrogen can
convert to nitrogen gas (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas.
4. Leaching: Excess nitrates can percolate into groundwater, posing risks to drinking water.
5. Runoff: Nitrogen can be carried off fields by irrigation or stormwater runoff into surface waters.
Research by Harter et al. (UC Davis Groundwater Nitrate Project) found that dairies contribute significantly to nitrate contamination of groundwater in the Central Valley, emphasizing the need for improved nitrogen management practices to reduce leaching.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Nitrogen
To address nitrogen challenges, UC researchers recommend implementing a suite of Best Management Practices (BMPs):
1. Nutrient Budgeting
Developing a farm-specific nitro-
gen budget is one of the most effective tools for balancing nitrogen inputs and outputs. According to Dr. Michael Cahn, UCCE Irrigation and Water Management Advisor, “A comprehensive nitrogen budget requires accounting for all sources of nitrogen, including manure, fertilizers, and irrigation water, while aligning them with crop demand.”
This involves:
• Soil and manure testing to determine existing nitrogen levels.
• Regular crop tissue analysis to evaluate nitrogen uptake.
• Adjusting nitrogen applications based on crop growth stages.
2. Precision Fertilization
Precision technologies, such as variable rate applicators and sensors, allow farmers to apply nitrogen more efficiently. Research from UC shows that matching nitrogen application rates to site-specific crop needs can minimize excess and improve yields.
For example, studies led by Dr. Jeff Mitchell at UC Davis demonstrate the effectiveness of precision nitrogen management for silage corn, which is a key forage crop in dairies.
3. Manure Management
Manure is a valuable source of nitrogen, but its management must account for the variability of nutrient content. UC guidelines recommend:
• Using lagoon water and solid manure as nutrient sources after proper testing.
• Timing manure applications to coincide with crop uptake periods, avoiding winter applications when plants are dormant and leaching risks are high.
• Employing injection or incorporation techniques to minimize ammonia volatilization.
4. Cover Crops and Crop Rotations
Cover crops, such as winter rye or legumes, can capture residual nitrogen in the soil, reducing leaching during fallow periods. UC research led by Dr. Mitchell highlights that cover crops not only prevent nitrogen losses but also enhance soil organic matter and improve overall soil health.
Additionally, rotating nitrogen-hungry crops like corn with legumes can reduce fertilizer needs since legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms.
5. Irrigation Management
Nitrogen movement is closely tied to water management. Over-irrigation can exacerbate nitrate leaching, while insufficient water can limit crop uptake. UC research emphasizes the use of advanced irrigation strategies such as:
• Drip Irrigation: Efficiently delivers nutrients to the root zone with minimal loss.
• Irrigation Scheduling Tools: Soil moisture sensors and evapotranspiration (ET) data help optimize water applications.
• Split Applications: Applying nitrogen in smaller, more frequent doses reduces the risk of leaching.
Regulatory Drivers and Incentives
California dairy farmers face increasing regulatory pressure to manage nitrogen efficiently. The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) and Dairy General Order require farmers to monitor nitrogen applications, report nitrogen balances, and implement practices that reduce groundwater contamination.
UC research supports farmers by providing tools like the Nitrogen Management Plan (NMP) templates and UC Integrated Web Tools that simplify nitrogen tracking. These tools help farmers comply with regulations while maintaining productivity.
Financial incentives are also available for adopting nitrogen-efficient practices. Programs such as the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) and Healthy Soils Program provide funding for technologies and practices that improve water and nutrient management. UC Cooperative Extension specialists assist farmers in accessing these resources.
Economic Benefits of Nitrogen Efficiency
Optimizing nitrogen use isn’t just about compliance; it also makes economic sense. Dr. Mark Lundy, UC Agronomist, points out that “Efficient nitrogen management reduces input costs, increases crop yields, and improves farm profitability over time.”
By testing manure, synchronizing applications with crop needs, and reducing losses, dairies can significantly cut fertilizer expenses. For example, a 2019 study by UC researchers found that precision manure management on California dairies reduced synthetic fertilizer costs by up to 20%, while maintaining forage yields.
Future Innovations in Nitrogen Management
The UC system continues to innovate in nitrogen research, focusing on tools and technologies that support sustainable dairy production. Emerg-
ing approaches include:
• Nitrification Inhibitors: These products slow the conversion of ammonium to nitrate, reducing leaching and denitrification.
• Real-Time Monitoring: New sensors and modeling tools can provide real-time data on soil and plant nitrogen status, enabling dynamic adjustments.
• Advanced Manure Treatment Systems: Technologies like anaerobic digesters and solid-liquid separation reduce nutrient losses and recover biogas for energy production.
Research at the UC Davis Dairy Research and Extension Facility and collaborations with California dairies aim to bring these innovations to scale, ensuring practical solutions for farmers.
Conclusion
Nitrogen management remains a critical focus for California dairies, balancing productivity, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance. University of California researchers provide science-based tools, technologies, and best practices to help farmers optimize nitrogen use while protecting air and water quality.
By adopting nutrient budgeting, precision fertilization, manure management, and advanced irrigation practices, California dairies can enhance efficiency and sustainability. As the industry moves forward, ongoing research and farmer collaboration will be essential to address challenges and build a resilient dairy sector for future generations.
For more information on nitrogen management strategies, dairy farmers can consult the University of California Cooperative Extension or explore resources at the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) website.
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Next-Generation Dairy Digesters:
Leading California Toward Sustainability
What’s Next in Dairy Digesters for California Dairies
California is home to the largest dairy industry in the United States, producing nearly 20% of the nation’s milk supply. However, with this leadership comes a significant environmental responsibility. In recent years, dairy digesters have emerged as a critical solution to reducing methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas primarily produced by cow manure. University of California (UC) researchers are at the forefront of exploring the future of dairy digesters and their role in sustainable dairy farming.
Current State of Dairy Digesters in California
Dairy digesters, also known as anaerobic digesters, work by capturing
methane from manure lagoons and converting it into renewable energy, such as biogas. The captured gas can be upgraded to renewable natural gas (RNG) or used to generate electricity. This process not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also offers economic benefits for dairy producers.
According to data from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the state currently hosts over 150 dairy digester projects, largely supported by incentive programs such as the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP). Since its inception in 2015, DDRDP has been pivotal in helping dairy farmers adopt digester technology through financial grants.
However, as the state moves toward ambitious climate goals outlined in
Senate Bill 1383 – which mandates a 40% reduction in methane emissions by 2030 – there is a growing focus on the efficiency, scalability, and long-term sustainability of digester systems.
Challenges Facing the Current Model
Despite their potential, dairy digesters face significant challenges:
1. High Initial Costs: Installing and maintaining digesters is expensive, with upfront costs ranging from $1 million to $5 million, depending on the scale of the project.
2. Economic Viability: The profitability of digesters depends heavily on access to markets for renewable energy and carbon credits.
3. Manure Management Limits:
Traditional digesters work best on large-scale dairies, raising questions about accessibility for smaller farms.
4. Environmental Trade-Offs: While digesters capture methane, they do not address other pollutants, such as ammonia emissions or nutrient runoff.
University of California Research: Innovating for the Future
University of California researchers are actively investigating ways to overcome these challenges and improve the next generation of dairy digesters. From system efficiency to alternative models, their work is shaping the future of dairy sustainability.
1. Improving Digester Efficiency
Researchers at the UC Davis CLEAR (California Renewable Energy Anaerobic Digester) Center, led by Dr. Frank Mitloehner, are focused on optimizing
digester performance. Recent studies highlight the role of co-digestion, where dairy manure is combined with other organic waste streams, such as food processing byproducts, to increase biogas yields. Co-digestion not only enhances energy production but also offers a sustainable waste management solution for other sectors.
“Co-digestion allows us to diversify feedstocks and maximize the output of digesters,” says Mitloehner. “It’s a win-win for dairies and the environment.”
Additionally, UC researchers are exploring advanced monitoring systems that use sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to
optimize digester operations in real time. These technologies can help dairies reduce downtime, improve energy efficiency, and minimize maintenance costs.
2. Small-Scale and Modular Digesters
One of the main criticisms of current digester systems is their limited feasibility for small and mid-sized dairies, which account for a significant portion of California’s dairy landscape. Dr. Ruihong Zhang, a professor of biological and agricultural engineering at UC Davis, is developing modular digester systems that can operate efficiently at smaller scales.
“Modular digesters reduce the economic barrier for adoption,” says Zhang. “They are more affordable, easier to install, and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of smaller dairies.”
The research team is also exploring ways to streamline the permitting process for digesters, which remains a significant hurdle for many producers. By simplifying regulations and lowering costs, modular digesters could expand the benefits of methane capture to more dairies across the state.
3. Integrating Digesters with Carbon Markets
The financial viability of digesters is closely linked to carbon credit markets and renewable energy incentives. UC Berkeley researchers, in collaboration with UC Davis, are studying how California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and carbon offset programs can be improved to better support dairy producers.
“California’s LCFS has created a strong incentive for biogas production,” explains Dr. Dan Sanchez, a researcher at UC Berkeley’s Carbon Removal Lab. “However, we need to ensure that smaller producers can also access these markets and realize the financial benefits of methane reduction.”
To this end, researchers are developing tools to help dairy farmers quantify their emission reductions more accurately, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their efforts.
4. Addressing Environmental Trade-Offs
While digesters significantly reduce methane emissions, concerns remain about their overall environmental footprint. UC Riverside researchers are investigating strategies to minimize emissions of ammonia and nitrous oxide, which can escape during the manure management process.
Dr. Kurt Schwabe, a UC Riverside environmental economist, emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to dairy sustainability. “We need to balance methane reduction with other environmental concerns, such as nutrient runoff and air quality impacts,” he says. “Integrating digesters with precision manure management systems can help achieve that balance.”
Schwabe and his team are experimenting with manure treatment technologies that complement digester systems, such as nutrient recovery methods that extract nitrogen and phosphorus for use as fertilizers.
Emerging Innovations: What’s on the Horizon?
In addition to improving traditional digesters, UC researchers are exploring novel technologies that could redefine methane management for dairies:
• Manure-to-Hydrogen Systems: Hydrogen production from manure is a promising avenue that builds on existing digester infrastructure. Researchers at UC Irvine are piloting projects to convert biogas into hydrogen fuel, offering a zero-emission energy source for transportation and industry.
• Solid-State Digesters: Unlike traditional liquid digesters, solid-state digesters process drier manure and can be more cost-effective for certain farms. UC Santa Cruz researchers are evaluating the feasibility of these systems in California’s climate.
• Methane Inhibitors: While digesters focus on methane capture, some researchers are looking at prevention. UC Davis scientists are studying feed additives that reduce methane emissions from cow digestion, complementing digester technology for a comprehensive solution.
The Road Ahead: Policy and Collaboration
The success of next-generation digesters will depend not only on technological advancements but also on supportive policies and industry collaboration. UC researchers emphasize the need for continued investment in research, incentives for adoption, and partnerships between dairy producers, technology providers, and policymakers.
“To meet California’s climate goals, we need a systems-level approach,” says Dr. Mitloehner. “This means combining innovation with supportive policies and ensuring that all dairies, regardless of size, have access to sustainable solutions.”
State programs such as the DDRDP, coupled with funding from federal initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, are critical to driving this progress. Additionally, partnerships with private industry and environmental organizations can accelerate the deployment of new technologies.
A Sustainable Future for California Dairies
Dairy digesters are at a pivotal point in California’s journey toward climate-smart agriculture. With groundbreaking research from the University of California system, the next generation of digesters promises to be more efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly. By addressing existing challenges and embracing innovation, California dairies can continue to lead the nation in sustainable milk production while reducing their carbon footprint.
The future of dairy digesters lies in a collaborative effort—one that brings together science, policy, and industry to create a more sustainable and resilient dairy sector. For California dairies, the question is no longer whether digesters are part of the solution, but rather how far innovation can take them in shaping the future of agriculture.
CUTTING METHANE, CULTIVATING SUSTAINABILITY:
HOW CALIFORNIA DAIRIES ARE REDUCING ENTERIC EMISSIONS
California, as the leading dairy producer in the United States, has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its dairy sector. A significant portion of these emissions comes from enteric methane—a byproduct of digestion in ruminant animals like dairy cows. Recognizing the environmental impact, California has set ambitious goals to reduce methane emissions by 40% below 2013 levels by 2030, as outlined in Senate Bill 1383 (Lara, 2016). Achieving this target necessitates a multifaceted approach, with enteric methane reduction playing a pivotal role.
Understanding Enteric Methane Emissions
Enteric methane is produced during the digestive process of ruminants. Microorganisms in the rumen ferment feed, leading to the production of methane, which is then expelled primarily through belching. This methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential significantly higher than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. In California, enteric emissions constitute a substantial share of methane emissions from the dairy sector, making their reduction essential for meeting climate goals.
Strategies for Reducing Enteric Methane
Researchers at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), have
been instrumental in exploring and developing strategies to mitigate enteric methane emissions. These strategies include:
1. Feed Additives: Incorporating specific compounds into cattle feed can inhibit methane production in the rumen. One such additive is 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), commercially known as Bovaer®. Studies have demonstrated that 3-NOP can reduce methane emissions by approximately 30% without adversely affecting milk production or animal health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed Bovaer® for safety and efficacy, paving the way for its use in the U.S. dairy industry.
2. Seaweed Supplements: The red seaweed *Asparagopsis taxiformis* has shown promise in reducing methane emissions when included in cattle diets. Research indicates that even a small inclusion rate can lead to significant reductions in methane production. However, challenges related to the scalability of seaweed cultivation and long-term effects on animal health and product quality remain under investigation.
3. Dietary Modifications: Altering the composition of cattle diets can influence methane production. For
instance, increasing the proportion of concentrates relative to forages can reduce methane emissions. However, such changes must be balanced against potential impacts on animal health, milk composition, and overall sustainability.
4. Genetic Selection: Breeding programs aimed at selecting animals with naturally lower methane emissions are being explored. This long-term strategy involves identifying and propagating genetic traits associated with reduced methane production.
Research and Initiatives at UC Davis
UC Davis has been at the forefront of research on enteric methane reduction. The university's CLEAR Center (Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research) has conducted comprehensive analyses of methane reduction progress in California's dairy sector. A report titled "Meeting the Call: How California is Pioneering a Pathway to Significant Dairy Sector Methane Reduction" concludes that the state's efforts are on track to achieve the 40% reduction target by 2030.
Additionally, UC Davis, in collaboration with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), hosted the "State of the Science Summit: Feed Strategies to Reduce Enteric
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Emissions" in May 2023. The summit brought together experts to discuss the latest research and identify opportunities for collaboration in reducing enteric methane emissions. A report summarizing the summit's findings was released in November 2023, highlighting the importance of feed additives, regulatory pathways for approval, and the need for standardized methodologies in conducting feed trials.
State Support and Funding
The CDFA has launched the Livestock Enteric Methane Emission Reduction Research Program (LEMER-RP) to support demonstration trials evaluating additives and dietary modifications aimed at reducing enteric methane emissions. In 2023, CDFA awarded $9.22 million in grants to six projects focused on this area. These projects include studies on the efficacy of feed additives like *Asparagopsis* and 3-NOP, as well as early-life strategies to reduce lifetime enteric methane emissions in cattle.
Challenges and Considerations
While significant progress has been made, several challenges remain in the widespread adoption of enteric methane reduction strategies:
▶ Regulatory Approval: Feed additives intended to reduce methane emissions must undergo rigorous safety evaluations before approval for use. Streamlining this process without compromising safety is crucial for timely implementation.
▶ Economic Viability: The cost of feed additives and dietary modifications can be a barrier for dairy producers. Incentive programs and potential revenue from carbon credits may help offset these costs.
▶ Consumer Acceptance: Ensuring that consumers are informed about the safety and benefits of these interventions is essential for market acceptance.
▶ Environmental Trade-offs: Some mitigation strategies may have
unintended environmental impacts. For example, while methane digesters reduce greenhouse gas emissions, concerns have been raised about potential increases in ammonia emissions and their effects on local air quality.
Reducing enteric methane emissions from California dairies is a critical component of the state's climate strategy. Through the collaborative efforts of researchers at institutions like UC Davis, state agencies, and the dairy industry, significant strides are being made toward achieving the 2030 reduction goals. Continued research, supportive policies, and stakeholder engagement will be essential in sustaining this momentum and ensuring the long-term sustainability of California's dairy sector.
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