Regional Characteristics of Livestock and Poultry Manure Production and Sustainable Resource Utilisation Technologies in China—A Review

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Authors: Xuan Ye, Cheng Shen, Jin Jiang Zhang
Cited by: 6
References: 68

Abstract

China’s livestock farming scale rose from 54.4% in 2020 to 73.2% in 2023, increasing annual manure production to 3.8 billion tons and greenhouse gas emissions to 4–6 billion t carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq). Manure management has thus become a key barrier to agricultural pollution control and carbon reduction goals. This study analyses regional differences in manure generation, showing that East and Central China—comprising less than 40% of the national land area—bear over 48% of total manure and about 50% of N and P loads, whereas Northeast and Northwest China have surplus cropland absorption capacity. This reveals a clear spatial mismatch between manure production and land carrying capacity. By reviewing major treatment technologies (aerobic composting, anaerobic digestion) and utilisation pathways (fertiliser use, energy recovery) and integrating life cycle assessment (LCA) with geographic information system (GIS)-based spatial evaluation, this study highlights the advantages of technology coupling strategies. For example, anaerobic digestion combined with composting can reduce net climate impacts by 21%, and regional circular models cut full-cycle carbon footprints by 34.44%. The results underscore the need for GIS-supported spatial LCA to match technologies with regional conditions, providing a scientific basis for advancing livestock manure management and China’s green agricultural transition.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact Composting and Vermicomposting Techniques Phosphorus and nutrient management

Publication details

Journal / source
Sustainability
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
18
Issue
4
Pages
1844–1844
Publication date
11 February 2026
Language
EN