Effects of SOP LAGOON Additive on Gaseous Emissions from Stored Liquid Dairy Manure

A study by the University of California, Davis, on the liquid fraction of bovine manure showed reductions in nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions up to −45.4%, ammonia (NH₃) up to −45.9%, methane (CH₄) up to −22.7%, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) up to −14.7% compared to the control, along with a reduction in odor intensity, using SOP LAGOON.

Summary: This experimental trial involved stored liquid fraction of bovine manure, comparing treated vs. control samples. Continuous atmospheric emissions were measured, and odor intensity was evaluated. The treated samples showed: −45.9% NH₃, −22.7% CH₄, −14.7% CO₂, −45.4% N₂O, and lower odor intensity compared to the control.

Livestock manure is a source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other pollutants and nuisances, including ammonia (NH₃) and odors. Manure storage represents a concrete operational intervention point to reduce emissions and local impacts.

In this context, the study conducted by Professor Mitloehner’s team (University of California, Davis) evaluated the effectiveness of the SOP LAGOON additive in reducing greenhouse gas emissions — carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) — as well as ammonia (NH₃) and odors from stored liquid bovine manure. GHG and NH₃ emissions were continuously measured for one week using flow chambers placed on top of the containers, connected to a mobile laboratory for atmospheric emission measurements. Treated samples were compared to untreated controls, and odor intensity was also assessed.

The results showed that SOP LAGOON reduced emissions compared to the control by CO₂ (up to −14.7%), CH₄ (up to −22.7%), N₂O (up to −45.4%), and NH₃ (up to −45.9%). Treated samples also exhibited lower odor intensity than control samples, as reported in the study.

Overall, the evidence supports the use of SOP LAGOON as an applicable strategy to mitigate emissions and odors associated with manure storage, using an experimental setup suitable to isolate the treatment effect under controlled conditions.