DUNG AVAILABILITY FOR BIOGAS PRODUCTION IN RURAL NEPAL | Journal of Global Ecology and Environment

The lack of scientific analyses of animal manure is preventing Nepalese researchers from determining the true potential of biogas and formulating appropriate energy strategies and policies. This study examines the feasibility of producing biogas from cattle and buffalo dung in Nepal's three topographical regions: mountains, hills, and lowlands (Terai). A survey of 240 livestock-owning households was conducted. For three separate seasons, data on daily fresh dung yield were collected from 210 livestock individuals divided into four categories: mature buffalo (> 3 yrs), young buffalo (> 3 yrs), mature cattle (> 3 yrs), and young cattle (> 3 yrs) (winter, pre-monsoon and monsoon).

Due to increased feed availability, the average daily dung yield per animal in the monsoon is larger than in other seasons for all locations. Despite having the maximum number of animals per household (5.2) compared to the hills (2.7) and lowlands (2.6), the mountains' net yearly dung availability is only around 30% of that of the other two regions due to the lower availability of fodder. According to the findings, annual per capita fuelwood use may be decreased by 114 kg DM, 344 kg DM, and 324 kg DM in the highlands, hills, and lowlands, respectively, by using dung-based biogas production. Households with biogas plants use only half of the net available dung for biogas generation, which accounts for around a quarter of their overall energy use. The study's findings can help with the development of locally tailored renewable energy policies and programmes.

Please see the link :- https://www.ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/634