Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Livestock producers, stakeholder, state regulatory agencies Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? During this project, one student has completed his PhD. A research specilist has been trained. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Through peer review publications, Extension presentations and field days. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Project goals include quantify air emissions from animal feeding operations and waste management practices; minimize nutrients runoff from animal feeding operation using vegetative buffer strips; and managing manure and livestock and poultry mortalities through composting. Based on this study, accomplishments are as follows under each goal: Objective 1 Vegetative filter strips (VFS) study indicated that VFS was very effective in reducing concentration of total solids (TS) by 34%, total suspended solids (TSS) by 68.0%, total phosphorus (TP) by 30%, ortho-P by 19%, ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) by 32%, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) by 36%, and potassium (K) by 20%. Nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) concentrations at the outlet samples increased as expected, and the buffer was not effective in reducing soluble nutrients. Results indicated that a VFS can be used for reducing runoff pollution that comes directly from feedlot into VFS without passing through the settling basin. Longer buffer lengths might be required for reducing soluble pollutants. There are several publications out of this project. Objective 2 Locally available sunflower hull-based turkey litter was able to sustain a temperature of 55 C that is required to kill most pathogens. However, moisture content and C:N ratios of a composting pile was much lower than the recommended rate. Additional carbon source (such as sow dust or wood chips, etc.) may be added to increase C:N ratio. Turning of compost pile may help to maintain sustained pile temperature, but turning of compost pile needs to be prolonged (3-4 weeks) for carcass decomposition, especially when pile moisture content is low. Overall, composting of turkey carcasses is a viable option under North Dakota climatic condition and the finished compost product is an excellent source of nutrients and can be used as organic fertilizer to meet crop nutrients requirement. However, additional measures need to be taken for better composting end products. There is one publication from this project Objective 3 Odor concentration of the swine barn with the deep pit system was much higher than the lagoon system. The same is also true for ammonia and hydrogen sulfide gases. Ammonia concentration was higher in the gestation barn than that of the farrowing barn for both swine operations. However, long term continuous monitoring is needed to obtain baseline emissions information. Significant variation of greenhoue gas (GHG) concentrations and emissions were observed among fall, summer, and spring seasons. Management practices may be adjusted to minimize air emissions, as well as to improve indoor barn air quality for workers safety and animal health. There are several publications out of this project.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Rahman, S., M. S. Borhan, C. L. Engel, and V. L. Anderson. 2013. Effect of pen bedding and feeding high-crude protein diets on manure composition and feedlot pen surface temperature. 2013 North Dakota Beef Report, NDSU. pp 23-26
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Borhan,M.S., D. Gautam, S. Rahman, C. Engel, V. Anderson. 2013. Effects of bedding and feeding high crude protein on greenhouse gas emissions from feedlot pen surfaces. ASABE Paper No. 131594612. 2013 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Kansas City, Missouri, July 21-24, 2013.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Rahman, S., M.S. Borhan***, and K. Swanson. 2013. Greenhouse gas emissions from beef cattle pen surfaces in North Dakota. Environmental Technology, 34(10): 1239-1246
|
Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Livestock producers, stakeholder, state regulatory agencies Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? One PhD student and one M.Sc. student are working and they will be ready to undertake future challenges in these areas. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results were disseminated to producers, stakeholders, government agencies, Extension agents, and industry professionals through Extension bulletins, Extension presentations, webpage (http://www.extension.org/pages/68315/managing-animal-mortalities-curriculum-materials#.Us7P3bTWv4u), during the Carrington REC Field day in 2013 (YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccPG65LQjhY), as well as in the North Dakota Beef report.. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? More peer reviewed publications, Extension bulletins, and Extension presentations.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Livestock production facilities contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emisisons, but the impact of dietary manipulation on the manure composition and environmental impacts (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions) are deficient, especially in the Northern Plains where dry distiller’s grains with soluble (DDGS) are abundant and added to diets. Effects of pen bedding and feeding high crude protein diets to beef cattles were investigated to examine whether diet and bedding provide a simple, inexpensive and practical means of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in a North Dakota feedlot . A research and demonstration project evaluating the effects of two dietary protein levels (16% vs 13%) on manure composition and subsequent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a feedlot pen surface was conducted at the NDSU Carrington REC beef feedlot. Manure and gas samples were collected at four ~28 day periods and analyzed for manure nutrient composition and GHG. Total nitrogen content was higher in manure from pens with cattle fed the high protein diets (16%). This results in an increased value of the manure as fertilizer. However, if manure is not managed properly, under anaerobic decomposition, manure may result in higher nitrogen loss as ammonia, and producer can lose that value. There was no difference in pen surface GHG emissions across manure management and dietary crude protein levels when protein diet levels were increased above normal levels (e.g. >~12%). The results were disseminated to producers and industry professionals during the Carrington REC Field day in 2013, as well as in the 2013 North Dakota Beef report. A manuscript has been published in a peered reviewed journal. Also, relative performance of three vegetative filter strips (hereafter Cass County-CC, Sargent County-SC, and Richland County-RC buffers) was evaluated and compared in the context of VFS designs under North Dakota management practices. Overall TSS, ortho-P, TP, NH4-N, K removal efficacies were approximately 88, 90, 89, 91, and 90%, respectively, at CC VFS. At SC feedlot VFS resulted in the highest NO3-N reduction. Relatively poor performance was observed for the RC feedlot which was due to smaller runoff-flow length (12 m). Overall, CC feedlot outperformed the SC and RC VFSs in terms of nutrients transport reduction. A manuscript has been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Rahman, A., S. Rahman, and M.S. Borhan. 2013. Performance evaluation of three vegetative filter strip designs for controlling feedlot runoff pollution. Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 3: 124.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Borhan, M. S., D. Gautam, C. Engel, V. L. Anderson, and S. Rahman. 2013. Effects of pen bedding and feeding high crude protein diets on manure composition and greenhouse gas emissions from a feedlot pen surface. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 63(12): 1457-1468
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Rahman, S., M.S. Borhan, and K. Swanson. 2013. Greenhouse gas emissions from beef cattle pen surfaces in North Dakota. Environmental Technology. 34(10): 1239-1246
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Rahman, S., T. Scherer, A. Rahman, and J. Lang. 2013. Water quality of runoff from beef cattle feedlots. NDSU Extension Publication No. WQ1667
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
D. Gautam, S. Rahman, M.S. Borhan, A.N. Bezbaruah. 2013. Application of nanoparticles (NPs) in livestock manure and their effects on air emissions. International Symposium on Animal Environment and Welfare (ISAEW) , Chongqing, China, October19-22, 2013
|
Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1 Nutrient runoff research has been focused on the effectiveness of buffer strip to reduce nutrients from feedlot runoff. The overall objective of this project is to reduce NPS pollution of nutrients by implementing vegetative buffer strips. Methods ISCO automatic samplers and with other necessary instruments were installed for runoff sampling. Runoff samples were analyzing for NO3+NO2-N, TKN, ortho-P, TP, TSS, TS, pH and conductivity. All analysis will be performed using the EPA laboratory procedures and Standard Methods. Statistical analysis was conducted to see any significant differences between sampling locations. One graduate student is doing PhD and he is expected to graduate in May 2013. Results have been presented in international meeting for the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. Two articles have been published in peer reviewed journal. Objective 2 Manure and carcass composting work focused on the suitability of locally available co-composting materials for carcass composting. Methods This study was conducted at a turkey composting facilities. Static piles were prepared in compost bin under a shed using a front end loader. The base layer (30 cm) was prepared with turkey litter and dead bird/litter ratio was 1:3 (W/W). Turkey mortality were placed on top of the base layer and were covered with another layer of turkey litter. HOBO Pro V2 T/RH loggers were placed at predetermined depths and locations from day one to monitor temperature changes during composting process. A front-end loader was used to turn the compost pile. At the beginning, during turning, and at the end of composting samples were collected for laboratory analysis (e.g., C, N, phosphorus (P), pH, conductivity, and moisture content) using standard methods. In addition, samples were collected to determine compost maturity. Results have been presented in international meeting for the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and in another symposium. One article has been accepted in peer reviewed journal. Objective 3 Quantify air emissions (odor, NH3, H2S, CH4, and N2O, etc.) from animal production facilities and waste management practices. Methods Two swine operations (deep pit & lagoon system) were selected. Odorous air samples were collected monthly from representative exhaust fans in 10L Tedlar bags using a vac-u-chamber and analyzed for odor threshold within 24h of collection using an Olfactometer. NH3 and H2S concentration were measured simultaneously from exhaust fans using Drager CMS chips. In addition, Drager PAC 7000s were also installed inside the barn to monitor these gas concentrations continuously. Collected samples were analyzed for NH3, H2S, CH4, and N2O and CO2. The ventilation rates are measured using a handheld anemometer to calculate the air emission rate. HOBO T/RH loggers are installed to monitor room and ambient temperature during sampling events. Results have been presented in international meeting for the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. One article has been published in peer reviewed journal. PARTICIPANTS: - PhD student (Atikur Rahman), Dr. Larry Cihacek, Dr. Tom DeSutter, Dr. Saidul Borhan, Dr. David Newman, North Dakota Department of Health, USDA-NRCS-ND, Turkey and swine Producers TARGET AUDIENCES: Livestock producers, stakeholder, state regulatory agencies PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Objective 1 Vegetative filter strips (VFS) study indicated that VFS was very effective in reducing concentration of TS by 33.7%, TSS by 68.0%, TP by 29.9%, ortho-P by 19.3%, NH4-N by 31.8%, TKN by 35.6%, and K by 19.8%. Nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) concentrations at the outlet samples increased as expected, and the buffer was not effective in reducing soluble nutrients. Results indicated that a VFS can be used for reducing runoff pollution that comes directly from feedlot into VFS without passing through the settling basin. Longer buffer lengths might be required for reducing soluble pollutants. Similarly, relative performance of three vegetative filter strips (hereafter Cass County-CC, Sargent County-SC, and Richland County-RC buffers) was evaluated and compared in the context of VFS designs under North Dakota management practices. Buffer at CC feedlot was established with broadleaf or common cattail grass filter, SC feedlot buffer had Garrison creeping foxtail and reed canary grass, and RC feedlot buffer had mixed grasses. CC buffer with cattails grass filter had longest runoff-flow length (65 m) and resulted in better conducive environment for restricted TSS and TP transports reduction and better adsorption of ortho-P, NH4-N, and K compared to SC and RC feedlot buffers. Overall TSS, ortho-P, TP, NH4-N, K removal efficacies were approximately 88, 90, 89, 91, and 90%, respectively, at CC VFS. At SC feedlot VFS resulted in the highest NO3-N reduction. Relatively poor performance was observed for the RC feedlot which was due to smaller runoff-flow length (12 m). Overall, CC feedlot outperformed the SC and RC VFSs in terms of nutrients transport reduction. Objective 2 Locally available sunflower hull-based turkey litter was able to sustain a temperature of 55 C that is required to kill most pathogens. However, moisture content and C:N ratios of a composting pile was much lower than the recommended rate. Additional carbon source (such as sow dust or wood chips, etc.) may be added to increase C:N ratio. Turning of compost pile may help to maintain sustained pile temperature, but turning of compost pile needs to be prolonged (3-4 weeks) for carcass decomposition, especially when pile moisture content is low. Overall, composting of turkey carcasses is a viable option under North Dakota climatic condition and the finished compost product is an excellent source of nutrients and can be used as organic fertilizer to meet crop nutrients requirement. However, additional measures need to be taken for better composting end products. Objective 3 Odor concentration of the swine barn with the deep pit system was much higher than the lagoon system. The same is also true for ammonia and hydrogen sulfide gases. NH3 concentration was higher in the gestation barn than that of the farrowing barn for both swine operations. However, long term continuous monitoring is needed to obtain baseline emissions information. Significant variation of GHG concentrations and emissions were observed among fall, summer, and spring seasons. Management practices may be adjusted to minimize air emissions, as well as to improve indoor barn air quality for workers safety and animal health.
Publications
- Publications: Rahman, A., S. Rahman, and L. Cihacek. 2012. Efficacy of vegetative filter strip to minimize solids and nutrients from feedlot runoff. Agric Eng Int: CIGR Journal, 14(4):9-21.
- Rahman, S. and D. Newman. 2012. Odor, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide concentration and emissions from two farrowing-gestation swine operations in North Dakota, Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 28(1): 107-115.
- Extension Publications: Rahman, S. and R. Wiederholt. 2012. Options for land application of solid manure. NDSU Extension Publication No. NM1613.
- Payne, J., J. Bonhotal, and S. Rahman. 2012. Livestock and poultry mortality management. Learning module, eXtension.
- Rahman, S., A. Rahman, and R. Wiederholt. 2011. Vegetative filter strips reduce feedlot runoff pollutants. NDSU Extension Publication No. NM1591.
- Cemek, B., S. Rahman, and A. Rahman. 2012. Prediction of nutrients concentration in runoff from beef cattle feedlot using artificial neural network. Environmental Engineering and Management Journal (Accepted).
- Rahman, A., S. Rahman, and M.S. Borhan. 2012. Performance evaluation of three vegetative filter strip designs for controlling feedlot runoff pollution. Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering (Accepted).
- Rahman, S. 2012. Suitability of sunflower-hulls-based turkey litter for on-farm turkey carcass composting, Canadian Biosystems Engineering, (in press).
- Rahman, S., D. Lin, and J. Zhu. 2012. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from mechanically ventilated deep pit swine gestation operation. Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2:104.
- Presentations: Rahman, A. and S. Rahman. 2012. Effect of pH in vegetative filter strips in reducing manure borne soluble nutrients runoff. 2012 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Dallas, TX, July 29- August 1, 2012.
- Rahman, S., M. S. Borhan, and K. Swanson. 2012. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from beef cattle pen surfaces In North Dakota, 2012 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Dallas, TX, July 29-August 1, 2012.
|
Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project Number ND01466 Project Title Impacts of Livestock Industries on the Environment in the Northern Latitudes Project goals: Project goals include quantify air emissions from animal feeding operations and waste management practices; minimize nutrients runoff from animal feeding operation using vegetative buffer strips; and managing manure and livestock and poultry mortalities through composting. Objective 1 Nutrient runoff work has been focused on the effectiveness of buffer strip to reduce nutrients runoff. The overall objective of this demonstration project is to reduce NPS pollution of nutrients by implementing vegetative buffer strips. Methods ISCO automatic samplers along with other necessary instruments were installed for runoff sampling. In addition, monthly soil samplings at different depths were also conducted. Runoff samples and soil samples were analyzing for nitrite+nitrate-nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, orthophosphate phosphorus, total phosphorus, TSS, TS, pH and conductivity. All analysis will be performed using EPA laboratory procedures and Standard Methods. Objective 2 Manure and carcass composting work focused on the suitability of locally available co-composting materials for carcass composting. Methods This study was conducted at a turkey farm in North Dakota, USA. The mortality rate for this farm was very low i.e., <1%. The static piles were prepared using a front-end loader. A base layer of 30 cm was prepared with turkey litter removed from the barns between flocks. One layer of turkey mortalities were placed on top of the base and were covered with another 30-cm layer of litter. In all trials, dead turkey/litters ratio (lbs) was 1:3. Data loggers were placed at predetermined depths and locations to monitor temperature changes continuously throughout the composting process. Litter samples were collected before, during, and after final composting for carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, pH, fibers, conductivity, and moisture content. Compost maturity tests were performed using a Solvita Maturity Index diagnostic kit. Objective 3 Evaluate the effectiveness of a bacterial treatment to reduce odor and air emissions (e.g., ammonia and hydrogen sulfide) from swine facilities in North Dakota climatic conditions and management practices. Methods In this study, the effectiveness of the Digest3+3 microbial additive was evaluated for reducing odor and pollutant gas emission from a swine gestation-farrowing operation in North Dakota. One of the deep pits in the facility was untreated (GC) and the other deep pit was treated (GT) with the Digest3+3 (22.68 kg/month). Similarly, shallow pits in one of the farrowing units were treated (FT) with additive, while another unit was untreated (FC). Air samples were collected from exhaust fans using a vacuum chamber and Tedlar bags. Odor detection threshold values were determined using a dynamic dilution olfactometer, and ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations were measured using the Drager CMS and a Jerome meter, respectively. Air flow rates from exhaust fans were measured using a portable anemometer and ventilation rate was determined as the summation of air flow rates of all fans. PARTICIPANTS: Atikur Rahman -PhD student Collaborators: Dr. Larry Cihacek Dr. David Newman Dr. Rom DeSutter David Muehler - Producer North Dakota Sow Cooperative - Producer North Dakota Department of Health North Dakota Pork Council ND-NRCS TARGET AUDIENCES: Livestock producers and stakeholders, State regulatory agencies PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None
Impacts
Outcomes/Impacts Objective 1 Results indicated that the VFS reduced the concentration of total solids (TS) by 33.73%, total suspended solids (TSS) by 67.97%, total phosphorous (TP) by 29.87%, ortho-phosphorous (OP) by 19.27%, ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) by 31.76%, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) by 35.56%, and potassium (K) by 19.80%. Nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) concentrations of the outlet samples increased as expected and the buffer was not effective in reducing soluble nutrients. Performance of the VFS indicated that it can be used to reduce runoff pollution that comes directly from a feedlot into the VFS without passing through a settling basin. A longer buffer length may be required to reduce soluble pollutants. However, this project is ongoing. Outcome of this project is aggregated data that is available and relevant for use by producers, state and federal regulatory agencies, and scientists involved with vegetative filter strips in all areas of the country. Objective 2 Overall, sunflower hulls based (SHB) turkey litter was able to sustain temperature of 55C for 3-10 days during composting even though pile moisture content and carbon: nitrogen (C:N) ratio were lower than the recommended range of 60-65% and 25-30:1, respectively. Sustain temperature of 55C is considered enough to destroy most pathogens. However, normal practice of composting for 40-65 days was not enough to obtain matured compost due to high percentage of fibers such as cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin content in sunflower hulls. Therefore, the compost mix obtained from a finished pile may be reused for the next pile for complete degradation. Turning of compost pile can be delayed and water can be added periodically to compensate pile moisture losses, eventually it would improve degradation of sunflower hulls and carcasses in turkey mortality compost pile. Outcome of this project is aggregated data that is available and relevant for use by producers, state and federal regulatory agencies, and scientists involved with carcass composting in all areas of the country. Also, long term expected outcome is that producers will make management decisions to produce better composting end product. Objective 3 The average odor concentrations for the gestation untreated (GC) and gestation treated (GT) barn were 954(423) and 908(416) OU/m3, respectively. Ammonia concentrations ranged from 3.0 to 27.0 ppm in the GC barn, and from 3.1 to 43.0 ppm in the GT barn. In the shallow pit system, ammonia concentrations varied from 2.0 to 15.9 ppm in the FC barn and from 2.0 to 15.2 ppm in the FT barn. The average NH3 emission, over the entire sampling period, at the GC and GT barn were 28.96(20.69) gd-1AU-1 and 33.10(14.24) gd-1AU-1, respectively, whereas they were 2.85(1.28) and 3.51(1.67) gd-1AU-1 in the FC and FT barn, respectively. Overall, the microbial treatment had very little effect in reducing odor, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide emission. Long term expected outcome is that along with new technology, producers will make management decisions to minimize environmental concern.
Publications
- Publications: Peer Reviewed 1. Rahman, S., T. DeSutter, Q. Zhang. 2011. Efficacy of a microbial additive in reducing odor, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide emissions from farrowing-gestation swine operation. CIGR Journal (Accepted)
- 2. Rahman, S., H. Xin, S.A. Roberts, J.A. Arthur, R.T. Burns, H. Li, Z. Zhu, L.B. Moody, K. Bregendahl. 2011. Effects of laying-hen variety on manure properties and ammonia emission. Transactions of the ASABE (Accepted)
- 3. Rahman, S. and D. Newman. 2011. Odor, Ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide concentration and emissions from two farrowing-gestation swine operations in North Dakota, Applied Engineering in Agriculture (Accepted)
- 4. Rahman, S. 2011. Suitability of sunflower-hulls-based turkey litter for on-farm turkey carcass composting, Canadian Biosystems Engineering (Accepted).
- Extension Publications 1. Rahman, S., A. Rahman, and R. Wiederholt. 2011. Vegetative filter strips reduce feedlot runoff pollutants. NDSU Extension Publication No. NM1591
- 2. Rahman, S. and K. Rockeman. 2011. Manure spills: What you need to know and environmental consequences. NDSU Extension Publication No. NM1555
- 3. Rahman, S., A. Aakre, K. Rockeman and C. Augustin. 2011. Liquid level marker or depth marker for earthen runoff ponds. NDSU Extension Publication No. NM1514
|
Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project goals Project goals include quantify air emissions from animal feeding operations and waste management practices; minimize nutrients runoff from animal feeding operation using vegetative buffer strips; and managing manure and livestock and poultry mortalities through composting. Objective 1 Nutrient runoff work has been focused on the effectiveness of buffer strip to reduce nutrients runoff. The overall objective of this demonstration project is to reduce NPS pollution of nutrients by implementing vegetative buffer strips. Methods ISCO automatic samplers along with other necessary instruments were installed for runoff sampling. In addition, monthly soil samplings at different depths were also conducted. Runoff samples and soil samples were analyzing for nitrite+nitrate-nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, orthophosphate phosphorus, total phosphorus, TSS, TS, pH and conductivity. All analysis will be performed using EPA laboratory procedures and Standard Methods. Objective 2 Manure and carcass composting work focused on the suitability of locally available co-composting materials for carcass composting. Methods This study was conducted at a turkey farm in North Dakota, USA. The mortality rate for this farm was very low i.e., <1%. The static piles were prepared using a front-end loader. A base layer of 30 cm was prepared with turkey litter removed from the barns between flocks. One layer of turkey mortalities were placed on top of the base and were covered with another 30-cm layer of litter. In all trials, dead turkey/litters ratio (lbs) was 1:3. Data loggers were placed at predetermined depths and locations to monitor temperature changes continuously throughout the composting process. Litter samples were collected before, during, and after final composting for carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, pH, fibers, conductivity, and moisture content. Compost maturity tests were performed using a Solvita Maturity Index diagnostic kit. Objective 3 Evaluate the effectiveness of a bacterial treatment to reduce odor and air emissions (e.g., ammonia and hydrogen sulfide) from swine facilities in North Dakota climatic conditions and management practices. Methods In this study, two sow farms (Farm-A with outdoor lagoon systems; Farm-B deep pit system) in North Dakota, USA were selected. Before treating one of the deep pits underneath of the g-barn and shallow pits underneath farrowing rooms, background odorous air samples were collected monthly for two months to obtain baseline odor detection threshold values. Following the background air sampling and measurement, one of the deep pits and shallow pits were treated with Digest3+3 additive at a rate of 22.68 kg/month as per technology provider's recommendation. Odorous air samples were collected from exhaust fans using vacuum chamber and Tedlar bags and odor detection threshold values were determined by using a dynamic dilution olfactometer. Ammonia and H2S concentration were measured from exhaust fans using Drager CMS and Jerome meter. Air flow rate from exhaust fans were measured using a portable thermo-anemometer. HOBO T/RH loggers are installed to monitor room and ambient temperature during sampling events. PARTICIPANTS: Atikur Rahman -PhD Student Dr. Larry Cihacek -Collaborator Dr. David Newman - Collaborator Dr. Tom DeSutter - Collaborator Dr. Dennis Wiesenborn - Collaborator David Muehler - Turkey producer North Dakota Department of Health NRCS-North Dakota North Dakota Turkey Federation Summer students TARGET AUDIENCES: Producers Stakeholders State regulatory agencies PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Objective 1 Results indicated that the VFS reduced the concentration of total solids (TS) by 33.73%, total suspended solids (TSS) by 67.97%, total phosphorous (TP) by 29.87%, ortho-phosphorous (OP) by 19.27%, ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) by 31.76%, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) by 35.56%, and potassium (K) by 19.80%. Nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) concentrations of the outlet samples increased as expected and the buffer was not effective in reducing soluble nutrients. Performance of the VFS indicated that it can be used to reduce runoff pollution that comes directly from a feedlot into the VFS without passing through a settling basin. A longer buffer length may be required to reduce soluble pollutants. Objective 2 Overall, sunflower hulls based (SHB) turkey litter was able to sustain temperature of 55C for 3-10 days during composting even though pile moisture content and carbon: nitrogen (C:N) ratio were lower than the recommended range of 60-65% and 25-30:1, respectively. Sustain temperature of 55C is considered enough to destroy most pathogens. However, normal practice of composting for 40-65 days was not enough to obtain matured compost due to high percentage of fibers such as cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin content in sunflower hulls. Therefore, the compost mix obtained from a finished pile may be reused for the next pile for complete degradation. Turning of compost pile can be delayed and water can be added periodically to compensate pile moisture losses, eventually it would improve degradation of sunflower hulls and carcasses in turkey mortality compost pile. Objective 3 This study is under way. Preliminary results indicated that bacterial treatment was not effective in mitigating odor and air emissions.
Publications
- Rahman, S. 2010. Suitability of sunflower-hulls-based turkey litter for on-farm turkey carcass composting, Canadian Biosystems Engineering (under review)
- Rahman, A., S. Rahman, and L. Cihacek. 2011. Efficacy of Vegetative Filter Strips to Minimize Solids and Nutrients from Feedlot Runoff (Pending, Applied Engineering in Agriculture)
|
|