Project Details: Reducing methane emissions through composting
The main objective of DN Agrar Group SA is to produce solid organic fertilizer (as defined in REGULATION (EU) 2019/1009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019, using strictly organic materials namely dairy manure adjusted with other organic wastes (feathers from slaughter, blood, water, finished product) as a sub-material intended to increase the moisture and obtain an optimal porosity in the compost pile.
In order to achieve effective composting and accelerated aerobic fermentation of manure, as well as to homogenize the resulting organic manure, DN Agrar Group SA uses Kohshin composting lines type KNLL-6000 SHW specially designed for the total disposal of manure from livestock farms and individual households and the continuous transformation of animal manure into a highly efficient, stable, hygienic, homogeneous, granular, highly stable, hygienic, granular organic manure in a 30-40 day cycle. The manure fermentation is aerobic and takes place at temperatures of about 70 degrees C, completely sterilizing the product by eliminating germs and parasites and reducing to zero the germination rate of the seeds in animal manure. Associated odors caused by microbial decomposition of volatile compounds are eliminated by the use of odorization systems.
The present project aims to implement two composting lines for the production of high-efficiency organic fertilizers, with regional spread in the counties Hunedoara and Alba.
The DN AGRAR APOLD farm, located in Gârbova, Alba County, is one of the farms of the DN Agrar Group, whose main activity is the production of cow’s milk and fodder cereals.
The DN AGRAR APOLD farm has 5 stables with a total herd of over 6000 head, both dairy cows and young cattle.
DN AGRAR APOLD has 2 milking parlours with 60 milking places each, where 400 cows can be milked per hour, with a current production of 75,000 liters of milk per day.
The farm also has 3 milk tanks, with a total capacity of about 100,000 liters of milk, as well as shelters for housing calves, “igloo” type stalls, with a capacity of about 600 places.
Also, 2 lagoons for manure storage, with a total capacity of 75,000 cubic meters, have been built on the Apold farm.
LACTO AGRAR farm is located in Vaidei, Hunedoara county, Romania. Lacto Agrar have over 4000 head, both dairy cows and young cattle, with a production of 60,000 liters of milk/day. The farm owns the largest rotary milking parlor in Romania, the Swiftlo Dairymaster rotor, which is one of the most advanced in the world. This rotor has 72 milking stations with the capacity to milk 350 cows/hour. Lacto Agrar provides job opportunities, education, excellent milk quality and a boost for more fertile soil in the area.
In this regard, the aim is to implement two DKNLL-6000 SHW composting plants by aerobic fermentation with a capacity of about 60 tons of dairy cattle manure per day each, in operating mode 1 cycle/day (10-12 hours)
When choosing the respective location, the annual amounts of manure from the dairy farms resulting from the daily activity.
Each manure composting plant consists of one composting lines KNLL-6000 SHW that will include a sorting line, pelletizing group for 0-2 mm fraction, a 3-port packing line for bagging to Big-Bag, to raffia bags of 25-50 kg and to polyethylene bags in quantities of 5-25 kg.
Sorting lines/groups for 4 particle size fractions, pelletizing-cooling and packaging line will be installed as well as areas for storage of the finished product.
The KNLL 6000-SHW composting line is specially designed for the total disposal of manure from livestock farms and individual households and the continuous transformation of animal manure into a highly efficient, stable, hygienic, homogeneous, highly effective, granular, organic, highly granular organic fertilizer in a single operating cycle for 30-40 days. Manure fermentation is aerobic and takes place at temperatures of about 60-70 degrees C, completely sterilizing the product by eliminating germs and parasites and reducing the germination rate of seeds in animal manure to zero. Associated odors caused by microbial decomposition of volatile compounds are eliminated by the use of odorization systems.
The KNLL 6000-SHW composting line continuously produces a minimum of 300 tons/month of natural manure at an operating mode of 10-12 hours/day. The line will process animal manure (dairy cattle manure). The final product is a stable, stable, hygienic, homogeneous, high-efficiency, granulated organic fertilizer.
The KNLL 6000-SHW line runs continuously and is automated, the processing capacity is on average 60 tons of manure/day with about 65% moisture content at input.
The end product obtained in Kohshin technology is a complex organic fertilizer with a moisture content of 15%-20% (dry). In addition to the basic nutrients N-P-K the fertilizer contains other compounds with significant nutritional value in agriculture (calcium, magnesium etc). It has a balanced pH around 7-8 beneficial for the soil, and significant organic matter contains carbon-containing compounds, thus significantly influencing the improvement of soil structure and its capacity to retain water. The use of organic fertilizer regulates the carbon cycle in the soil by reducing atmospheric carbon. Soil with a high percentage of organic matter helps improve crop yields and is more resistant to both wind and water. The organic matter present in the fertilizer increases gas exchange and adds beneficial micro-organisms to the soil.
The end product from the Kohshin composting lines is a universal, homogeneous, stable and granular organic fertilizer (the ratio of particle size fractions from 0 to 12 mm varies depending on the manure processed).
What is the aim of Gold Standard certification?
The project is currently going through a Carbon Credit certification process to adhere to the international ‘Gold Standard’ accreditation, which utilizes innovative approaches to quantify, certify and maximize impacts towards climate security and sustainable development under Gold Standard for the Global Goals, and it is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Upon successfully finalizing its Gold Standard certification, DN Agrar Group SA is aiming to receive carbon credits in an equal amount with the certified CO2 emissions reductions achieved by the projects activities.
The total GHG emission reductions for the 15 years crediting period (2025-2039) are estimated at 205,360 tCO2e, and the annual average GHG emission estimation is around 41,072 tCO2e.
Gold Standard Certification Timeline
The project is expected to pass the Gold Standard preliminary review by the summer of 2025 and continue the certification process during 2025 with the aim to receive carbon credits in 2026. After that date, the project will receive CO2 credits for a 5- year cycle, renewable 3 times, upon passing all verification process
Project Location
The project activities is located in Romania, in two locations with the following addresses and the GPS coordinates
- DN Agrar Apold Farm:
Address: Romania , Alba County , Garbova
Coordonate GPS: 45.873871, 23.732593 - Lacto Agrar Farm:
Address: Romania, Hunedoara County, City Vaidei
Coordonate GPS: 45.874262, 23.301011
Project Timeline Implementation
The Project’s first tender for the acquisition of the first equipment at DN Agrar Apold was in December 2024, which is considered the start date of the project, according to Gold Standard rules and requirements. Then, the final commissioning of the facility was is January 2025, starting its commercial operation in the same time.
For the second line, for the farm Lacto Agrar, the contract for the equipment was signed in February 2025 and the final commissioning of the facility is estimated to be in November 2025.
Baseline Scenario
As per the UN CDM methodology applied to assess emissions savings, the baseline scenario is the situation where, in the absence of the project activity, the organic matter, manure from dairy cattle, is left to decay within the project boundary, in lagoons, and methane is emitted to the atmosphere.
The baseline emissions are the amount of methane emitted from the decay of the degradable organic carbon in the manure.
Key Components of the Project:
As per the UN CDM methodology applied to assess emissions savings, the baseline scenario is the situation where, in the absence of the project activity, the organic matter, manure from dairy cattle, is left to decay within the project boundary, in lagoons, and methane is emitted to the atmosphere.
The baseline emissions are the amount of methane emitted from the decay of the degradable organic carbon in the manure.
1. Manure Collection System
Collection and Transportation: Developing efficient systems for collecting and transporting manure from farms to the composting facility that are and will be install near the farm, including the use of appropriate equipment and vehicles designed to handle manure safely and hygienically.
2. Composting Facility Setup
• Site Selection and Preparation: Choosing an appropriate location for the composting facility that is accessible, has adequate space, and complies with environmental regulations regarding manure management.
• Infrastructure and Equipment: Setting up composting bins, windrows, or static piles, along with aeration systems (such as blowers or turning equipment) to maintain aerobic conditions. Additional infrastructure may include leachate collection systems and protective covers.
3. Composting Process Management
• Aeration and Temperature Control: Implementing regular turning or forced aeration techniques to maintain oxygen levels and control temperatures, promoting efficient microbial decomposition and preventing odors and the proliferation of pathogens.
• Moisture Management: Monitoring and adjusting moisture levels to ensure optimal conditions for aerobic decomposition, which helps to prevent anaerobic conditions and manage odors.
4. Quality Control and Monitoring
• Parameter Monitoring: Tracking key composting parameters such as temperature, oxygen levels, moisture content, and pH to ensure that the composting process is effective and safe.
• Pathogen Reduction and Contamination Control: Ensuring that the compost reaches temperatures sufficient to kill pathogens and weed seeds, and preventing contamination by non-compostable materials.
• Pathogen Reduction and Contamination Control: Ensuring that the compost reaches temperatures sufficient to kill pathogens and weed seeds, and preventing contamination by non-compostable materials.
5. Compost Maturation and Utilization
• Curing and Stabilization: Allowing the compost to mature through a curing phase to ensure it is fully stabilized and safe for use.
• Nutrient Management: Testing the nutrient content of the finished compost to optimize its use as a fertilizer, particularly for agricultural applications where manure- derived compost can provide significant soil benefits
6. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
• Regulatory Adherence: Complying with local, regional, and national regulations related to manure management, including nutrient management plans and water protection guidelines.
• Permit and Licensing: Securing the necessary permits for composting manure, and ensuring that operations adhere to all relevant environmental standards.
7. Community Engagement and Education
• Awareness Campaigns: Informing local communities and stakeholders about the benefits of composting manure, including reduced odor, improved soil health, and reduced environmental impact.
• Conferences/trainings: Providing education to farmers and other stakeholders on proper composting techniques, the benefits of manure composting, and best practices for compost application.
8. Data Collection and Reporting
• Operational Data Tracking: Recording data on the quantities of manure processed, the volume of compost produced, and the environmental impacts, such as reductions in methane emissions and nutrient runoff.
• Impact Reporting: Compiling reports to highlight the environmental and economic benefits of the project, including enhanced soil fertility and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
9. Innovation and Continuous Improvement
• Process Optimization: Continuously improving the composting process to enhance efficiency, compost quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Research and Development: Exploring new methods and technologies to improve manure composting, such as advanced aeration systems or innovative techniques for pathogen and odor control.
Major Project Benefits
Our project aims to address two pressing challenges simultaneously: managing manure waste and enhancing soil health. By partnering with livestock farms and agricultural businesses, we are implementing a sustainable solution to transform manure into valuable compost through aerobic fermentation.
The major benefits of reducing methane emissions through aerobic fermentation include:
1. Environmental Benefits
• Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Aerobic composting minimizes methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, by promoting the aerobic decomposition of organic matter, which primarily produces carbon dioxide and water vapor instead.
• Decreased Landfill Use: By diverting organic waste from landfills, the project reduces the volume of waste in these sites, subsequently lowering methane production and leachate issues.
• Improved Soil Health: The compost produced is rich in nutrients and organic matter, enhancing soil fertility, structure, and water retention capabilities, which benefits plant growth and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
2. Economic Benefits
• Cost Savings on Waste Management: Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills can lower disposal costs and landfill fees. The production and sale of compost can also create new revenue streams.
• Creation of Green Jobs: The project can generate employment opportunities in areas such as waste collection, composting facility operations, and compost sales, contributing to local economic development.
3. Public Health and Safety
• Reduction of Odors and Pest Problems: Properly managed aerobic composting reduces the odor and pests often associated with anaerobic waste decomposition, leading to improved community health and well-being.
• Reduction in Landfill-Related Hazards: By decreasing organic waste in landfills, the project reduces the risk of landfill gas build-up, which can cause fires and explosions.
4. Resource Conservation
• Efficient Use of Organic Waste: The project turns organic waste into valuable compost, promoting resource efficiency and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
• Energy Conservation: Aerobic composting generally requires less energy than waste incineration or other intensive waste treatment methods.
5. Climate Change Mitigation
• Carbon Sequestration: The compost produced can enhance carbon sequestration in soils, helping to offset some greenhouse gas emissions.
• Promotion of Sustainable Waste Management: The project fosters sustainable waste management practices, aligning with broader efforts to combat climate change
6. Community and Educational Benefits
• Increased Environmental Awareness: The project can raise awareness about sustainable waste management practices and environmental stewardship among the community and local businesses.
• Educational Opportunities: It provides effort for educational initiatives about composting, sustainability, and the benefits of reducing waste and emissions.
These benefits highlight the comprehensive advantages of aerobic composting, from environmental and economic gains to public health improvements and community engagement
Therefore, the project contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The project can indirectly contribute to Goal 4 by raising awareness and promoting education on sustainable waste management practices and agricultural sustainability within the community.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The project will ensure equal opportunities for both men and women in employment, decision-making processes, and benefit sharing.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The creation of new jobs in waste collection, processing, and energy generation sectors contributes to the goal of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – By reducing manure waste and converting it into valuable resources (compost), the project supports the goal of ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action – The project helps mitigate climate change by reducing methane emissions from composing organic waste in landfills.
Additional Information
For further information, please contact us at casiana@carbonexpert.ro and office@dn-agrar.eu or visit our webpage www.dn-agrar.eu. For information about Gold Standard, please visit www.goldstandard.org.
