Manure Management in Latvia: A Key to Reducing Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Strategic Insights -

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies researchers have published a study on the current state of manure management in Latvia, highlighting the importance of sustainable agriculture practices in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study revealed that manure is a valuable resource for soil fertility and nutrient cycling, but also contributes significantly to methane and nitrous oxide emissions. The research aimed to estimate future manure production in Latvia and identify potential opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that the proportion of liquid manure in Latvia is expected to increase by 2050, while solid manure and manure deposited by grazing animals are expected to decrease.
  • The total greenhouse gas emissions from manure management are projected to decrease by approximately 5% by 2050, primarily due to a decline in the number of farm animals and a reduction in the amount of manure.
  • Methane emissions are expected to increase by approximately 5% due to production intensification, highlighting the need to introduce more effective methane emission reduction technologies.
  • The research emphasizes the importance of introducing effective methane emission reduction technologies and improved projection approaches to achieve the European Green Deal and Latvia's National Energy and Climate Plan targets.
  • The study suggests that sustainable agriculture practices and improved manure management can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate change mitigation.
  • The LASAM model developed in Latvia was used to estimate the future manure production and associated greenhouse gas emissions, following the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) methodology.
  • The study highlights the need for effective policy measures to support the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and improved manure management in Latvia.

Statistics:

  • Total greenhouse gas emissions from manure management are expected to decrease by 5% by 2050.
  • Methane emissions are expected to increase by 5% due to production intensification by 2050.
  • The number of farm animals in Latvia is expected to decline by 2050, resulting in a reduction in the amount of manure.
  • The proportion of liquid manure in Latvia is expected to increase to 80% by 2050.
  • The emissions from manure management account for approximately 10% of Latvia's total greenhouse gas emissions.

Sources:

  • "Manure Production Projections for Latvia: Challenges and Potential for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions." Agriculture, vol. 15, no. 19, 2025, p. 2080.
  • Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.
  • Ministry of Agriculture of The Republic of Latvia.
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).