New circular barn system reduces nitrogen emissions by >70%

The provisional emission factor for the Lely Sphere is 3.6kg NH3 per animal space per year, reducing emissions by more than 70% compared to barns with traditional slatted floors, which emit 13kg NH3 per animal space per year. Thanks to this reduction, the Lely Sphere offers a key solution to the sector’s nitrogen problem.

Circular manure system

The Lely Sphere circular manure manure-handling system includes several technological solutions that separate manure and urine at the source, convert nitrogen emissions, and create 3 reusable manure streams. Livestock farmers can use each type of fertiliser in a specific manner to optimise applications, resulting in fewer emissions when spread onto grassland. The Lely Sphere helps to ‘close’ mineral loops and reduces nitrogen emissions.

The system has been running on dairy farms for several years, and the experiences are positive. Dairy farmer, Wouter Beukeboom, says, “I chose the Lely Sphere because this system separates the urine and manure at an early stage, and fertiliser purchases are kept to a minimum. There is also no doubt whether the system works – the proof is in the silo.”

Supporting dairy businesses

Lely’s head of innovation, Korstiaan Blokland, adds: “This innovation is an important milestone for the sector. It allows us to make a structural contribution to converting emissions into liquid circular fertiliser. At Lely, we want this system to contribute to nitrogen challenges, and we want to prevent livestock farmers from being forced to wind up their businesses, potentially on a large scale.”

The emissions from housing systems are published via the Dutch RAV-list. This is determined by the minister of infrastructure and water management. The list contains the emission factors from the animal housing for all animal categories of the Netherlands Livestock Farming Ammonia Regulation.