Overvåking av metanutslipp fra lager for bløtgjødsel og biorest - Projects - Norsøk (en)

Overvåking av metanutslipp fra lager for bløtgjødsel og biorest

In the project, we are investigating whether methane sensors can be used to record and monitor emissions of methane from slurry storage. The project is a collaboration between NORSØK, NMBU and selected farmers.

Methane emissions: Sensors will be placed over cattle slurry to continuously measure emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. (Photo: NORSØK)
Methane emissions: Sensors will be placed over cattle slurry to continuously measure emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. (Photo: NORSØK)

Main objective

Improve the basic data for calculating emission factors for methane (CH4) emissions from cattle slurry and digestate storage for use in the Norwegian greenhouse gas inventory.

Key results

  1. Develop techniques for monitoring the amount of methane emissions from cattle slurry and digestate storage without the use of costly, time-consuming chamber methods
  2. Continuous monitoring of methane emissions from storage of untreated cattle slurry and digestates on dairy farms
  3. Contribute data for calculating emission factors for methane emissions from slurry/digestate storage to the Norwegian greenhouse gas inventory
  4. First , continuous monitoring of methane concentrations in barns
  5. Sharing knowledge aimed at reducing methane emissions from slurry storage on Norwegian farms
These sensors will be further developed so that they can be connected to a battery instead of the mains. They are well protected to withstand the harsh environment in the slurry tank. (Photo: Sissel Hansen)
These sensors will be further developed so that they can be connected to a battery instead of the mains. They are well protected to withstand the harsh environment in the slurry tank. (Photo: Sissel Hansen)

Project milestones

  • Development / adaptation of methane sensors for on-farm application
  • Sensor-based methodology for monitoring methane emissions
  • Testing new methane measurement methodologies at selected slurry storage sites
  • Testing methane sensors in cattle barns
  • Incubation experiments for calculating methane emissions

Measurements made with methane sensors will be compared with measurements made using chamber-based methods (SkitGass).


The graph shows the concentration of methane (as ppm) in the space above a slurry storage tank, recorded with our methane sensors. In general, methane concentrations increase with increasing temperature, but show considerable diurnal variation. (Photo: Sissel Hansen)
The graph shows the concentration of methane (as ppm) in the space above a slurry storage tank, recorded with our methane sensors. In general, methane concentrations increase with increasing temperature, but show considerable diurnal variation. (Photo: Sissel Hansen)