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Fertilizer
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Pig manure is high in nutrients and rich in minerals which enrich the soil to grow crops such as potatoes or leeks. The minerals found in the manure are potash and phosphorus. Potash is a good source of potassium. Phosphorus is a mineral that builds strong bones and teeth.
Crude Oil Conversion
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To turn pig manure into oil, scientists use a process called thermochemical conversion. This 15-minute process breaks down carbohydrate materials and turns the waste into liquid using heat and pressure. This oil could be an alternative to petroleum oil. In a pig's lifetime, it could produce enough manure to make up to 21 gallons of crude oil.
Paving Roads
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Pig manure can be processed to make asphalt to pave roads. Researchers have developed a multiple-stage process that applies heat and pressure to pig manure to produce an alternative material for paving roads. The paving material created is a lower-grade asphalt binder. Asphalt binders describe how well concrete will perform under circumstances such as climate, aging and weight.
Benefits
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Pig manure is a form of renewable energy, as it is recycled and used for different things. When making crude oil, minerals are preserved and odor and biological oxygen demand are reduced. Biological oxygen demand is created as the breakdown of manure takes oxygen from the environment. An example would be when manure leaks into the water supply due to runoff and harms aquatic life by taking away the oxygen available to fish and other organisms.
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Pig Manure Uses
Currently one of the main uses for pig manure is as a fertilizer. Other uses, like turning the manure into crude oil and using it to pave roads are being researched and produced. These different uses for pig manure will produce money for pig farmers and help clean up the environment.