MSU Researcher Says Anaerobic Digesters Are ‘The Wave Of The Future’

By Justin Whitmore

 Michigan State University (MSU) AgBioResearch Engineer Dana Kirk grew up working on his family’s dairy farm “running around scooping manure,” while simultaneously developing a curiosity for the symbiotic relationship farming has with the environment.

Kirk’s interests blossomed into an academic career focused on the development and implementation of waste management systems and waste-to-energy systems for dairy operations. His ultimate goal is to maximize farm production and profitability while preserving and protecting natural resources and ensuring environmental sustainability.

“The issues our work aims to address have always been near and dear to me as someone raised on a family dairy farm. I am also an avid outdoorsman and outdoor swimmer,” said Kirk, associate professor in the MSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. “It’s important we continue to develop and enhance agricultural practices that maintain a good relationship with the environment. To do that we are seeking methods to better utilize all of our resources, and find ways to reinvest in those resources.”

Kirk routinely partners with government and commodity organizations – such as the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Michigan Farm Bureau and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) – to develop training and programming that supports waste system management and manure management for dairy farms of all sizes. Kirk prioritizes applied research focused on responding to the emerging needs of dairy producers in Michigan and across the country.

Campbell

“One of the biggest things we advocate for at Michigan Farm Bureau is the need, and the ability, of faculty at MSU to conduct research that's important to the dairy industry,” said Laura Campbell, senior conservation and regulatory relations specialist with Michigan Farm Bureau. “Dana is a great partner, because he not only conducts the research that responds to industry needs, but he's also able to lead many of the educational programs and share information directly with farmers and with agricultural organizations like Farm Bureau.”

Kirk’s research on anaerobic digestion systems contributed greatly to the MSU Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center (ADREC), a project Kirk helped create, direct and manage to this day. Founded in 2008, ADREC provides research, professional development and outreach support for waste-to-energy systems, including bench top, pilot-scale and commercial anaerobic digestion systems.

Education and outreach activities that emphasize cost-effective and efficient technologies on small and medium-sized dairy farms, along with other biomass energy topics and environmental protection, are all part of the ADREC mission.

Anaerobic digestion has potential to protect human health and the environment from agricultural wastes while converting waste to resources. The renewable resources in turn provide a revenue stream to offset the operational costs and provide additional revenue to the farm.