Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/06
Outputs
This project has shown that deepstacking poultry manure does not require an external heat source to be effective in controlling pathogens and reducing nutrients and is therefore an effective method of treating poulty house litter for recycling.
Impacts
By eliminating pathogens, deepstacking transforms a potential soil and water pollutant into a valuable organic fertilizer which can be used by farmers, landscapers, home owners, etc.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Deep stacked litter samples were compared to used litter samples with respect to levels and presence of coliforms and E. coli. Not all used litter was positive for the presence of coliforms and E. coli (showing that some flocks were not infected), but when the organisms were present, there was a significant correlation between high aW and the levels of organisms. Litter samples that had not been deep stacked had very high aW levels ranging from 0.888 to 0.969 as opposed to aW of about 0.702 to 0.824. Corresponding levels of coliforms in unstacked litter ranged from log 4.00 to log 6.09 per gram when positive, while levels in deep stacked litter ranged from less than the limit of detection (1:10 dilution) to log 2.15 per gram.
Impacts
The fact that litter aW correlates with levels and presence of coliforms and E. coli can be used to demonstrate that stacking or composting of litter is an effective way to manage litter pathogens and other microflora since stacking generates heat which dries out the litter and effectively kills off pathogens.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Six composting bins 5x5x8 feet in size have been constructed to be used as deep stacking units for periods of 30 days for each batch. Each bin has a front panel that is easily removed by sliding out for the removal of samples and the recording of temperatures with a thermocouple. An agreement or contract has been made with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture Moorefield Diagnostic Laboratory to analyse litter samples to track the levels of nutrients such as total nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen as the litter is deep stacked. The Department will also determine moisture content of the litter samples to see how well moisture content relates to levels of pathogens found. A local poultry integrator will provide litter from area poultry houses for the deep stacking bins.
Impacts
Tracking levels and types of pathogens will determine the efficiancy of deep stacking in eliminating poultry pathogens and will make producers more comfortable in using deep stacked litter to raise birds. Establishing the safety of deep stacked litter will also make homeowners and landscape personnel comfortable using such litter on their lawns or gardens. Determining the fate of nutrients such as nitrogen and ammonia will help determine the potential of deep stacked litter to pollute area waters when applied to the land. Since deepstacking does not require an external source of heat, if it is effective in controlling pathogens and reducing nutrients it should be an effective method of treating poultry house litter for recycling.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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