Published Research
HAMK: Hygienized Manure Project (2021–2023) ↗
In a project by Häme University of Applied Sciences and IP-Innovaatiot Oy, the ManPas hygienization system was developed and tested in real horse stable environments.
The study confirmed that manure treated with the device meets the requirements of the Animal By-Products Regulation and is safe for further use.
Laboratory and cultivation trials demonstrated that the hygienization process destroys the germination ability of weed seeds, enabling the use of treated manure as a growing medium, for example.
KUPELA Project (2025) ↗
At LUT University (Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology), the KUPELA project tested the ManPas system, where bedding manure is heated to over 70 °C for at least one hour.
The study showed that the process:
Meets EU hygiene requirements
Eliminates E. coli bacteria and weed seeds
Reduces manure moisture content
The device’s energy efficiency and suitability particularly for peat- and sawdust-based manure were found to be promising. The hygienized end product could be reused either as bedding or on fields.
Branches Network (2023)
The ManPas hygienization method was highlighted in the Branches Network’s collection of best practice solutions, strengthening its position as an innovative circular economy technology with potential for international applications.
Stall Blombacke Oy (2024–2025) ↗
The ManPas hygienization method was highlighted in the Branches Network’s collection of best practice solutions, strengthening its position as an innovative circular economy technology with potential for international applications.
A new growing media solution from heat-treated horse manure (2025)↗
The study “Potential of short-term heat-treated horse manure as a recycled growing media” (Leppäkoski, Harju, Tossavainen & Pölönen, 2025) examined how short-term heat treatment of horse manure can enable its use as a recycled growing medium.
The research was carried out using a farm-scale pasteurization device, in which the manure was heat-treated for 1–2 days, including a one-hour pasteurization phase at 70 °C. The aim of the process was to reduce harmful microorganisms and seed viability, and to assess the suitability of the treated material for plant cultivation.
The results demonstrated a significant improvement in sanitation efficiency and seed inactivation, as well as indications of a fertilization effect in growing trials. Based on these findings, heat-treated horse manure shows strong potential as a sustainable growing media material that supports circular economy goals and helps retain nutrients within the farm system.
Leppäkoski, S., Harju, V., Tossavainen, M. & Pölönen, I. (2025). Potential of short-term heat-treated horse manure as a recycled growing media. DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.70099
Research Projects & Testing
KasKu – Developing circular alternatives to peat
Project duration: 1 March 2026 – 28 February 2027
The KasKu project explores new ways to replace peat with locally available biomass and circular raw materials. The project focuses on developing practical, scalable solutions for material use, processing and value creation, while supporting the transition towards more resource-efficient and low-impact production systems.
Manpas participates in the project by contributing its expertise in local biomass treatment and hygienisation, with a particular focus on enabling the safe and effective use of organic side streams in new applications.
Read more about the KasKu project →
Conference presentations
Nebraska · USA 2024
On 11 September 2024, Dr. Ilpo Pölönen gave a presentation at the Nebraska Water Center Conference on on-farm heat treatment and its potential to broaden the use of manure beyond the farm.
The talk was part of the “Prospects and Applications on Nutrients Recovery” session and emphasized that thermal treatment can transform manure into a safer, higher-value product while promoting nutrient recycling.
Ilpo Pölönen, Jarno Föhr, Raghu KC & Salla Leppäkoski: On-farm heat treatment of manure broadens the usage of manure beyond farm setting – presented at the Fertilizers from Waste – Recovering and reusing nutrients via circular processing of agricultural residues conference, Lincoln (Nebraska, USA), 10–12 September 2024.
2026 · EUBCE, The Hague
Environmental performance of peat-free equine bedding
Jarno Föhr, Raghu KC & Tapio Ranta, LUT University
Research on reed canary grass as a peat-replacement for equine bedding, including integrated manure hygienisation.
Capri · Italy 2024
Research from LUT University showcased the use of the ManPas system in advancing circular economy solutions on farms.
The study demonstrated that the device utilizes microbially generated heat to pasteurize horse manure at 70 °C, effectively destroying harmful microbes and seeds.
The hygienized manure can then be reused as bedding, soil improver, or growing medium.
The system integrates automation and sensors to ensure proper temperature and treatment time.
Initial results indicated that ManPas achieves the required temperature with minimal additional energy input while significantly reducing bacterial levels.
Ilpo Pölönen, Jarno Föhr, Raghu KC & Salla Leppäkoski: Circular economy in farms – Testing farm-scale manure pasteurization device – presented at the 7th Symposium on Circular Economy and Urban Mining (SUM 2024), Capri (Italy), 15–17 May 2024.
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