Spatial Estimation of Biogas and Compost Potential for Sustainable Livestock Manure Management in Bangladesh

A significant amount of livestock manure is generated in Bangladesh, creating challenges for sustainable manure management. Bioenergy and organic fertilizer production from manure are expected to provide opportunities for renewable resources, including environmental benefits. Therefore, this research aimed to spatially assess the potential of manure for biogas and compost using GIS (geographic information system) symbology and hot spot analyses, based on theoretical estimations. This study identified hot spots for biogas and compost production from various types of livestock manure at the district and sub-district levels, whereas previous studies have only explored these at a national level. The estimated total biogas and compost potential was approximately 15,035.50 million m³ and 67.36 million tons, respectively, from livestock manure in 2024, distinguishing it as a feasible alternative to fossil fuels for electricity generation and synthetic fertilizers for crop production. Overall, the regional pattern maps of the socio-economic potential, hot spot identification, and environmental benefits assessments of manure will provide a more localized approach to planning sustainable manure management strategies for biogas and compost production in Bangladesh.