From Manure to Methane: Uncovering Hidden Emissions in Livestock Manure Treatment

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SangA Lee

Policy Analyst

Professor. Youngwoo Hwang

Inha University

Jaeyoung Lee

Inha University

Sunbin Kim

Inha University

Hueyeon Kang

Inha University

About

The South Korean government has so far taken a passive approach to setting greenhouse gas reduction targets for the agriculturalsector, including livestock, fisheries, and forestry.

Transitioning traditional agriculture—often intertwined with a range of social issues—into sustainable agriculture requires significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Approximately 49% of South Korea's total methane (CH₄) emissions come from the agricultural sector, accounting for almost half of the country's overall methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential more than 80 times greater than that of carbon dioxide.

This study investigates greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, with a particular focus on methane, an area that has received limited attention to date. It identifies key issues that have been overlooked and discusses how policies must evolve to address them.

Notably, it sheds light on the underreported methane emissions from livestock manure and, for the first time in South Korea, analyzes methane flows across the entire livestock manure treatment process.

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[SFOC] From Manure to Methane_Uncovering Hidden Emissions in Livestock Manure Treatment.pdf

Executive summary

Strategies for Reducing Methane Emissions from Livestock Manure Treatment

1. Underreported methane emissions from livestock manure treatment—Up to 2.5 times the actual emissions

Recent revisions to the IPCC guidelines have led to a 30% increase in reported methane emissions, with significant underreporting identified, particularly in the agriculture sector.

Methane emissions from livestock manure are now estimated to be up to 2.5 times higher than previously recorded, underscoring the urgent need for government action.

To address this, the Korean government should set more ambitious reduction targets for the agriculture sector in its 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) should establish clear methane reduction goals to drive substantial progress.

[Figure 1] Changes in Methane Emissions from Agriculture and Livestock Sectors under the Revised IPCC GL (2022)

Pig Manure Accounts for 73% of Methane Emissions During Livestock Manure Treatment

Pig manure is responsible for 73% of the methane emissions generated during livestock manure treatment, yet only 14% of it is currently processed through biogas facilities.

To accelerate the shift toward sustainable treatment methods, the government must increase the public collection rate of pig manure and mandate the use of biogas technology at livestock manure treatment facilities.

[Figure 2] Methane Flow across Life Cycle of Livestock Manure Treatment (2006 IPCC GL)

[Figure 3] Methane Emissions from Livestock Manure Treatment Process by Livestock Type

72% of Methane Emissions Occur in the Early Stage of the Composting Process

Methane emissions from composting have been underestimated, with 72% of total emissions occurring during the primary (aerated) fermentation stage.

To mitigate these emissions, the "Livestock Manure Act" should be revised to require the adoption of methane reduction technologies and mandatory reporting. Furthermore, a dedicated legal framework is needed to promote carbon neutrality in the agricultural sector.

[Figure 4] Methane Flow by Composting State in Livestock Manure Treatment: Based on Outsourced Treatment Facilities in South Korea (2023)