In the heart of the Central Valley, a Tulare County dairy farm has achieved something that until now was considered theoretical: reducing methane emissions by 80%. This was made possible by capturing methane through a hermetically sealed biodigester that collects methane gas generated by manure. gas generated by cattle manure. manure. The initiative, now confirmed by a rigorous study by the University of California Riverside, represents a measurable advance in the effort to combat global warming.
Open field methane capture
The system installed on this family farm uses a membrane covering the manure lagoons to prevent methane from being released into the atmosphere. This gas, which has a warming potential more than 80 times greater than carbon dioxide over 20 years, can be redirected and converted to biofuel. In addition to reducing pollution, it can be used as an energy source to replace fuels such as diesel.
The team led by climatologist Francesca Hopkins monitored emissions from the farm for two years before and after the digester was installed. Using high-precision vehicle-mounted sensors, the researchers collected hundreds of atmospheric data that revealed a dramatic drop in methane levels after the technology was implemented. The findings of this study were published in the scientific journal Global Change Biology Bioenergy.
Collaboration between science, industry and agriculture
The digester was operated in conjunction with California Bioenergy. During the initial phase, minor leaks were detected and corrected through coordinated action between researchers and operators. This adaptive management model proved to be key to ensuring the efficiency of the system. Hopkins emphasized the relevance of this type of collaboration in achieving tangible climate goals.
Although biodigesters are effective in capturing methane, they do not address other pollutants such as ammonia or fine particulates. In addition, their implementation requires significant investments and regulatory red tape. As a result, this technology is not applicable to all farms, but for those that can adopt it, it represents a viable and efficient option in the transition to a sustainable agriculture.
Satellite surveillance and future regulation
The state of California is integrating satellite sensing systems to monitor large methane emissions. monitor large methane emissions in real time. emissions in real time. This will enable environmental authorities to act quickly on anomalies and improve regulatory compliance tracking.
The Tulare County dairy thus becomes a replicable example where science, technology and policy converge to achieve measurable reductions in greenhouse gases.
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Source and photo: University of California
