How are Danish farmers addressing greenhouse gas emissions and nitrate leaching while staying economically viable? Sven Gjedde Sommer from Aarhus University shares insights on biogas production, pyrolysis technology, and the role of financial incentives in driving sustainable change.
The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What do you think are the key nutrient management challenges in Danish farms?
A key challenge right now is the emission of greenhouses gases and especially emission of methane from the manure management chain and nitrous oxide from manure applied in the field. The leaching of nitrate issue is popping up again due to ocean oxygen decline, especially in bays and fjords.
How do technological advancements in agriculture contribute to Denmark’s environmental sustainability? How do you think these advancements can help keep farming economically viable?
Danish farmers are quickly adopting new technologies if they find them cost efficient. More than 50% of Danish livestock manure are treated in biogas production, which is considered the cheapest CO2 reduction technology. The government has also supported a very large pyrolysis plant that will produce biochar from slurry and sewage sludge. There are a few slurry separators on farms but not many due to farmers usually having enough land where the animal manure can be spread sustainably while following regulations.
Could you share an example of a specific innovation from your group and explain its impact on sustainable farming practices?
Our group has developed the biogas production concept and developed models for calculating the GHG reduction potential when introducing biogas production in the livestock slurry management chain. The model has been adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
What types of financial incentives or support structures in Denmark encourage the adoption of sustainable farming technologies?
The government has set a high price on the power from biogas plants and in the past covered the construction financially. The pyrolysis plant is as mentioned financially supported by the government.
What strategies in your view are effective in balancing the economic needs of farmers with environmental sustainability goals?
We must make costumers aware that it’s costly to reduce emissions from manure management and that part of this cost must be paid by higher food prices.
What feedback have you received from farmers who have implemented new technologies or practices?
Regarding biogas production the feedback has been very positive.
Did you learn anything new from your work in NUTRI-KNOW in your area of expertise?
The most important lesson has been that we must include cost analysis in our research and development.