Sustainable Chesapeake will expand the use of manure injection technology at dairy farms in Western Maryland. Manure injection uses special equipment to work the manure below the soil surface while minimizing soil disturbance. The technology reduces ammonia losses to the atmosphere, preserves beneficial surface residue and protects local waterways from runoff.
The $725,267 grant will provide incentives for two custom manure applicators to inject manure into approximately 2,000 acres of land located on three farms in Frederick and Carroll counties. Project partners include the Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, Giant Food and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.
Funds from this grant will also be used to provide additional equipment for an anaerobic digester installed at Kilby Farm, a 400-head dairy cattle operation in Cecil County. The digester converts manure from the dairy operation into a reliable year-round power supply for the farm. The new equipment will improve the digester’s ability to generate heat during the colder months and improve the farm’s management of manure resources.
