Article

A calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) additive significantly reduces climate-relevant emissions from manure storage and enhances nitrogen efficiency, leading to increased methane yields in biogas plants. The research, conducted by the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) and Alzchem Trostberg GmbH, demonstrated that the additive can cut methane emissions from cattle and pig manure storage by up to 97%.

While winter conditions show less reduction, the additive still proves effective. Nitrous oxide emissions also decrease during storage, although no significant reduction occurs during application. Under optimal conditions, methane yields can increase by up to 11%.

The additive also reduces nitrogen losses in manure storage by 96%, potentially lowering mineral fertilizer costs by up to 22% in regions with high livestock density. The project is supported by the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture through the Climate and Transformation Fund.