Soil Conductivity and Multiple Linear Regression for Precision Monitoring of Beef Feedlot Manure and Runoff

Abstract

Open-lot cattle feeding operations face challenges in control of nutrient runoff, leaching, and gaseous emissions. This report investigates the use of precision management of saline soils as found on 1) feedlot surfaces and 2) a vegetative treatment area (VTA) utilized to control feedlot runoff. An electromagnetic induction soil conductivity meter was used to collect apparent soil electrical conductivity [Formula: see text] from feedlot pens and a research VTA at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska. An [Formula: see text] Sampling Assessment and Prediction (ESAP) program, developed by the Soil Salinity Lab at Riverside, California was used to analyze feedlot pens and the VTA. The program directed soil sample site locations and produced models associating [Formula: see text] to volatile solids (VS) and chloride ([Formula: see text], an indicator ion for feedlot runoff). Results from the feedlot site for two pens with differing management styles indicate positive correlations between [Formula: see text] and associated VS ([Formula: see text], soil mound pen; [Formula: see text], manure mound pen). Chloride was found to be associated with [Formula: see text] for the VTA [Formula: see text]. The ESAP program provided estimates of the secondary variable distribution across the VTA and feedlot pens based on soil sample data combined with high density soil conductivity [Formula: see text] data. The methodology outlined in this research will be useful for identifying areas of excessive nutrient buildup on feedlots and runoff control areas, thereby allowing for site-specific management, improvement of system performance, and sustainability while reducing nutrient losses to the environment.