Minimum tillage, innovation, renewable energies and biogas only fed by livestock waste: the story of the S. Agostino Farm
Agriculture done well, innovation and renewable energy: three elements that are definitely part of the Azienda Agricola S. Agostino, in Mantua. A company founded in the 60s and which, thanks to the strong passion for the land and the dream of a more sustainable agriculture of the young entrepreneur Alberto Zanella, seems more futuristic than ever. The company raises an average of 800 cattle per year, 30 hectares of land cultivated for over 10 years based on a double cropping system and relying on a minimum tillage system, boasts an 84 kWh photovoltaic system and has recently adopted new lighting and led systems in the barn to ensure the wellbeing of its animals. This year, in 2021, a 100 kWh biogas plant has also been installed, fed by livestock waste only, which not only transforms the waste into renewable energy and produces digestate for the land, but also provides an alternative source of revenue that will soon allow the farm to build a new barn.
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