Selecting suitable sites for livestock manure composting via the integration of machine learning, median center and geographic information system

Abstract

CONTEXT

Composting livestock manure in suitable areas near farmlands is important for the application of livestock manure to farmlands and the realization of resource utilization of livestock manure and crop–livestock integration. However, few studies have focused on selecting suitable sites for livestock manure composting.

OBJECTIVE

To process and evaluate the spatial clustering of farmland via six machine learning methods, analyze the priority and limiting factors of suitable site selection for livestock manure composting, and determine suitable sites for livestock manure composting and the annual amount of livestock manure composting in three scenarios.

METHODS

This research investigated the spatial clustering of farmlands by using six machine learning methods. Then, a priority and limitation analysis of suitable sites for livestock manure composting was conducted, and suitable sites for livestock manure composting and the annual amount of livestock manure composting in three scenarios were documented.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Results indicated that the algorithm called balanced iterative reducing and clustering using hierarchies could effectively identify uneven spatial clusters of farmlands in hilly areas. A total of 114 suitable sites for livestock manure composting were identified based on the priority and limitation analysis. Then, the spatial association relation between suitable sites for livestock manure composting and farmlands were established. Finally, the annual amount of livestock manure composting at 114 suitable sites for livestock manure composting was estimated as pig manure equivalent in the three scenarios.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings have significant implications for promoting the resource utilization of livestock manure and crop–livestock integration. The results also help to improve the utilization rate of livestock manure, reduce the economic cost of applying livestock manure to farmland, and alleviate the environmental pollution risk of livestock manure. In addition, the results have good application for the utilization of livestock manure and the layout planning of livestock and poultry breeding.