Simple Additive, Major Impact: Eminex^® Significantly Reduces Methane Emissions from Manure

Current results from the EMeRGE research project confirm triple benefits in practice 

Eminex^®, a calcium-cyanamide-based additive for manure, can substantially reduce climate‑relevant emissions during the storage of manure and digestate, increase nitrogen efficiency, and at the same time deliver positive effects for biogas production. These findings are now confirmed by results from the more than three‑year EMeRGE research project conducted by the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) in cooperation with Alzchem Group. On January 21, 2026, farmers, biogas plant operators, policymakers, and researchers discussed the results as well as questions concerning regulation and further development of the method at a symposium. 

Strong leverage in livestock farming 

Around 20 percent of methane emissions from livestock farming in Germany occur during the storage of organic fertilizers. Although technical solutions such as gas‑tight covers for manure storage tanks are effective, they often require significant construction work and financial investment. The EMeRGE project therefore focused on Eminex^®—a flexible additive that can be used on almost any farm while simultaneously reducing costs and operational risks. 

“In manure storage, microorganisms usually have free rein,” explains Dr. Christiane Herrmann, Program Area Speaker for Integrated Residual Resource Management at ATB and project leader. “They metabolize organic material and release climate‑damaging gases such as methane. By adding calcium cyanamide, the methane‑producing microorganisms are temporarily inactivated.” 

Up to 97 percent less methane from manure storage 

Under summer storage conditions, adding Eminex^® reduced methane emissions from cattle and pig manure by up to 97 percent. These results from technical‑scale trials were confirmed in realistic experiments using 1,000‑liter storage units. 

In the second growing season, lower nitrous oxide emissions (N₂O) were also recorded. 

More biogas, improved nitrogen utilization 

Eminex^® reduces nitrogen losses during storage and increases plant availability. In regions with intensive livestock production, fertilizer costs can be reduced by up to 22 percent. For biogas plants, the additive offers further advantages: after a minimum storage period, process inhibition does not occur; with extended storage and warm temperatures, methane yields increase by up to 11 percent. 

Relevance for climate accounting and regulation 

The project results provide an important basis for incorporating emission‑reduction effects into climate calculators and greenhouse gas inventories. For agricultural operations and value chains facing increasingly strict emission requirements, the use of Eminex^® offers significant potential. Incentive and compensation systems could support wider adoption in the future. 

Background 

The EMeRGE project was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Homeland (BMLEH) through the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR). The final report, including detailed recommendations for application and dosing, is available online.