[Opinion] Livestock Environmental Industry and the 'Nitrogen & Phosphorus Circular Economy System'

Published May 20, 2025

Tridge summary

The establishment of a nitrogen and phosphorus circular economy system will reduce imported nutrient volumes, prevent environmental pollution, and solve resource security while providing an opportunity to reevaluate livestock farming and livestock manure. Looking at the reality of livestock farming in our country, one cannot help but feel deeply sorrowful. Livestock, which produces beef, milk, chickens, and eggs, is responsible for the nation's health and accounts for over 40% of total agricultural production, yet it is perceived more as a source of environmental pollutants rather than being recognized for its industrial value and function.

Regarding environmental issues frequently mentioned in the livestock sector, these include greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and nitrous oxide, nutrient accumulation of nitrogen and phosphorus, and water pollution.

Original content

The Current State of Livestock Industry in Korea: A Perspective on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Circulation Looking at Korea's livestock reality, it is truly heartbreaking. Livestock, which produces beef, milk, chicken, and eggs, accounts for over 40% of total agricultural production and is responsible for national health, yet it is perceived more as a source of environmental pollution rather than being recognized for its industrial value and function. Environmental issues primarily discussed in the livestock sector can be summarized as greenhouse gas emissions like methane and nitrous oxide, nutrient accumulation of nitrogen and phosphorus, water pollution discharge, ammonia emissions as particulate matter precursors, and odor substance emissions. It would not be an exaggeration to say that most current livestock environmental issues stem from insufficient management and treatment of nitrogen and phosphorus contained in livestock manure. Where do the nitrogen and phosphorus in ...

Source: Aflnews