Ammonia emissions and dispersion from broiler production.

Abstract

Ammonia (NH3 ) has been used as a target gas for nuisance complaints to restrict or close poultry operations near encroaching rural development. There are conflicting data on NH3 emissions from broiler production across the United States. The purpose of this research is to compare emission rates from a Georgia broiler operation across seasons and with other geographical areas in the United States. Comparison of seasonal and geographical emission rates showed large seasonal variation in NH3 emissions for eastern U.S. sites but little seasonal variation in the semi-arid region of the United States. Differences in production management practices, ambient temperature, and animal density did not appear to explain differences in emissions between regions; however, the climatic influence of ambient humidity and litter management practices are thought to be key factors in the generation of emissions.