Cow dung-Precursor for climate change a review

Abstract

Livestock waste especially cow dung, which is a readily available, renewable and bio-resource, can be beneficial and harmful both depending on how it is managed. Improper treatment or anaerobic digestion of cow dung produces greenhouse gases: CO2, CH4, and others nitrous oxide. These gases trap infrared radiation, warm the atmosphere, contribute to majorly to global warming, air pollution and climatic change. Improper management also results in soil and water pollution through the release of harmful nitrogen compounds. However, when cow dung is properly managed and utilized as a bio resource rather than waste, it can be transformed into valuable by-products such as biogas, biochar, compost, and organic initiatives such as GOBARDHAN and Godhan Nyay Yojana to ensure the proper management of cow manure. This not only provides renewable energy and organic fertilizers but also enhances soil fertility and promotes environmental conservation.