Spatial Distribution of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Environmental Variables in Compost Barn Dairy Systems

The dairy sector plays a fundamental role in the economic development of numerous regions by creating jobs and sustaining the livelihoods of millions of people. However, concerns related to animal welfare and environmental sustainability—particularly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—persist in intensive dairy systems. This study aimed to measure and assess the presence of GHGs, such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), in a compost barn facility, using spatial variability tools to analyze the distribution of these gasses at different heights (0.25 m and 1.5 m) relative to the animals’ bedding. Data were collected over five consecutive days using a prototype equipped with low-cost sensors. Geostatistical analysis was performed using R, and spatial distribution maps were generated with Surfer 13®. Results showed elevated CH4 concentrations at 0.25 m, exceeding values typically reported for similar systems values (60–117 ppm), while CO2 concentrations remained within the expected range (970–1480 ppm), suggesting low risk to animals, workers, and the environment. The findings highlight the importance of continuous environmental monitoring to promote sustainability and productivity in confined dairy operations.