Abstract
The objective of this study was to measure NH3 from feedlot surface material (FSM) containing aluminum sulfate (alum). A 33-day lab-scale study was conducted using pans containing FSM and either 0, 2.5, 5, or 10% alum. The pH of the FSM was significantly lower (p < 0.01) when treated with 2.5, 5, and 10% alum as opposed to the 0% alum treatment. No NH3 volatilization occurred below a pH of 6.5. A second study determined that small, weekly doses of 5% alum did not lower NH3 emissions further than a single dose of 5% alum. Two studies on the feedlot surface demonstrated a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in pH in the areas of the pens where alum was added compared to those that did not receive alum. Ammonia concentrations were lower (p < 0.05) for the areas that received alum compared to those that did not receive alum for 7 days when 5% alum was applied and 14 days when 10% alum was applied. In all the studies, sulfide emissions increased when alum was added to the FSM. We concluded 10% alum may reduce NH3 emissions from beef feedlots temporarily, but higher sulfide emissions offset this benefit.
Highlights
Introduction and Sulfide EmissionsSustainabilityConcentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are intensely managed production systems to improve efficiency and allow for better care of the animals
Using methodology from previous studies in our lab [34,35], feedlot surface material (FSM) was collected from three adjacent beef feedlot pens at the U.S Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) feedlot
After adding the alum, there was a significant reduction in pH for all FSM with alum compared to the control pans that did not have any alum applied (Figure 3a)
Summary
Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are intensely managed production systems to improve efficiency and allow for better care of the animals. This concentration can have a deleterious impact on the environment. Cattle feedlot pen surfaces are especially problematic because the cattle manure is directly exposed to the environmental elements of rain, snow, sun, and wind. Feedlot surface material (FSM) is unlike any agricultural soil, consisting of a complex soil and manure mixture. Physical, and biological reactions that result in the release of a variety of compounds occur on the feedlot surface. Some reactions occur independently of one another, others are correlated
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