A group of agricultural engineers and scientists working out of Pennsylvania State University developed a high-tech manure-processing machine that is designed to efficiently remove dangerous phosphorous from cow manure so that it can be repurposed as crop fertilizer.
Developed as part of a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the MAPHEX machine is capable of removing around 98 percent of phosphorous from manure, enabling the material to then be used for fertilization. The machine could be used in conjunction with either dairy farm-produced waste or other agricultural settings.
In addition to being an impressive technological achievement, this manure-processing machine is set to be a profitable venture that the inventors are looking to license to a company working in the agricultural space.
Mobile Manure-Processing Machines
The 'MAPHEX' Helps to Convert Cow Manure Into Fertilizer
Trend Themes
1. High-tech Manure Processing - Using cutting-edge technology to turn farm waste into valuable fertilizer presents a unique opportunity to innovate in the agricultural sector.
2. Phosphorous Removal - Developing new methods for removing harmful phosphorous from manure creates opportunities for more sustainable farming practices.
3. Mobile Fertilizer Production - Creating portable manure-processing machines could lead to a new industry focused on on-site fertilizer production.
Industry Implications
1. Agriculture - The MAPHEX machine presents an opportunity for farmers to become more self-sufficient with their fertilizer production.
2. Technology - Innovative manure-processing techniques like MAPHEX require advanced technology and engineering expertise to develop and implement.
3. Environmental Sustainability - Reducing the amount of excess phosphorous in the environment through more efficient manure processing is an important environmental initiative.