Methane (anaerobic) Digesters

A methane digester system, commonly referred to as an AD (anaerobic digester), is a device that promotes the decomposition of manure or 'digestion' of the organics in manure to simple organics and gaseous biogas products.

• Manure is regularly put into the digester after which the microbes break down the manure into biogas and a digested solid.
• The digested manure is then deposited into a storage structure.
• The biogas can be used in an engine generator or burned in a hot water heater modified for biogas. AD systems are simple biological systems and must be kept at an operating temperature of 100 degrees F in order to function properly. (Manure Matters newsletter No. 7 v. 10).

Note: The economics in Nebraska for digesters are more difficult than other areas of the country because electrical rates are much lower relative to other parts of the country, and thus makes them less feasible.

The Carbon Credits from Livestock Production NebGuide can give more information about how you may be able to obtain payment for certain practices on livestock operations.  These include:

• lagoon covers
• anaerobic digesters
• rangeland managment