Livestock Waste Disposal Research Articles

A pilot-scale study on the in-situ remediation of acid mine drainage with supplemental of external nutrition: Performance, heavy metal removal and microbial community evolution

Acid mine drainage (AMD), a common environmental problem around the world, is characterized by low pH, high concentrations of heavy metals and sulfate. AMD treatment technology based on stimulating in-situ microorganisms has received widespread attention, but lack of organic matter is a limiting factor that restricts the remediation by heterotrophic microorganisms such as sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). In this study, a pilot scale reactor was set up next to an acid reservoir to evaluate the effect of livestock wastes on the in-situ bioremediation of AMD, focusing on performance assessment, heavy metal removal efficacy, and the evolution of the microbial community. Results indicated that the pH of AMD rises rapidly from 3.23 to 4.11, and metals (e.g., Fe, Cu, and Zn) rapidly got removed in Stage I. However, AMD experienced significant stratification in Stage Ⅱ (biogas slurry supplemented). The pH of surface layer (0.5 m below the surface) gradually dropped to 3.67, and the bottom layer (2.3 m below the surface) remained around 4.1, and the metal removal efficiencies further improved. Microbial communities were dominated by Fe-OB and Fe-RB in surface layer, while SRB dominated in bottom layer. The addition of biogas slurry significantly increased the relative abundance of functional microbe in bioremediation. The growth of SRB in the bottom of the reactor made an important contribution to heavy metal removal. Heavy metals were mainly removed through the formation of insoluble hydroxide and sulfide precipitation and co-precipitation. This study innovatively integrates low-cost, locally sourced livestock waste as nutrient supplements into AMD bioremediation processes, and demonstrated the potential for integrating AMD treatment with livestock waste management, addressing both the nutrient needs for AMD processing and the challenge of livestock waste disposal. The findings contribute to the development of cost-effective and eco-friendly strategies for AMD management while advancing the understanding of microbial mechanisms of in-situ bioremediation.

Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia Coli Bacteria Isolated from Water Sources and Waste Disposal in Livestock Farms in East Lombok

Poor antimicrobial stewardship in livestock farms will lead to the emergence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Dug wells as a water source and waste disposal on livestock farms have a close distance, allowing transmission of Escherichia coli-resistant bacteria through soil absorption and fecal contamination. This study aims to isolate Escherichia coli from water sources and livestock waste disposal in East Lombok Regency and determine their sensitivity to several antibiotics. The type of this research is a descriptive cross-sectional survey using four water wells and four waste disposals with a criterion of < 10m range. Escherichia coli bacteria were isolated using culture techniques on Eosin Methylene Blue Agar, and identification was carried out using gram staining and biochemical tests. Determining sensitivity to antibiotics was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion method. The results showed that Escherichia coli bacteria have been isolated from water sources and waste disposal on livestock farms in East Lombok Regency. 100 % Escherichia coli isolates sensitive to Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, and Cefotaxime. 87.5% Escherichia coli isolates sensitive to Oxytetracycline, 12.5% ​​Escherichia coli isolates resistant to Oxytetracycline, 100% Escherichia coli isolates resistant to Penicillin G. Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from water sources and waste disposal at a livestock farm in East Lombok.

Addressing Nitrate Contamination in Groundwater: The Importance of Spatial and Temporal Understandings and Interpolation Methods

Iranian water security is threatened by groundwater (GW) degradation. The excessive use of GW for agriculture in Iran is degrading these resources. Livestock waste disposal and sewage irrigation are also major contributors. Nitrate (NO3) contamination in GW is a growing global concern, posing serious health and environmental risks. Soil can easily leach NO3 into GW, causing long-term contamination. Understanding the temporal and spatial patterns of NO3 pollution is vital in protecting human health and establishing safe drinking water limits. Choosing an appropriate interpolation method is crucial for creating a reliable spatial variability map, which is essential for environmental research and decision-making. This study used 85 GW samples collected over four periods to create interpolated maps and examine the spatial variability of NO3 levels. Spatial interpolation methods were performed using the geostatistical tool within ArcGIS Software. The results showed that Empirical Bayesian Kriging (EBK) was the most effective of the five evaluated interpolation methods, although the performance of each method varied depending on the period sampled. Therefore, the choice of interpolation method should be tailored to the study’s specific needs and the characteristics of the data being interpolated. The EBK method produced interpolation maps that illustrated the spatial distribution of NO3 concentrations, both within and exceeding the recommended guidelines. Interpolation methods can assist in creating spatial maps of NO3 concentrations, identifying pollution sources, and developing targeted management strategies. These maps demonstrate the potential impact of human activities on the observed patterns. A thorough understanding of Iran’s current GW quality is very important and valuable for management and policymakers.

Neo-taphonomy of striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Israel

Humans increase the limited number of daylight hours available to them by using artificial light at night (ALAN) to improve their ability to continue functioning under light conditions. Several studies found that ALAN has multiple impacts on wildlife, and even humans. We examined whether the prey of striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena), a commensal of human-altered areas, has adapted to this change in the natural environment. We collected prey remains in 12 different dens during 20 breeding attempts between 1993 and 2022. Our analysis shows that ALAN had no impact on diet or den distribution in central Israel. We were able to identify 654 prey items from 49 species in the dens. We divided the species into five main groups: domestic animals (11 species), wild mammals (19), reptiles (3), and birds (17). Domestic animals were the most numerous in the diet. We also found vegetative species, mainly fruits and vegetables, of 10 species in the dens. In conclusion, our study shows that the plasticity of striped hyena feeding behavior, which may vary depending on geographical region and habitat, and is influenced by human and livestock waste disposal. Their respectful behavior and tolerance of human disturbance make the striped hyena an exceptional carnivore, providing ecosystem services. Therefore, public awareness of the importance of protecting this species in the Middle East must be developed to raise appropriate environmental education programs for the public.

Static composting of cow manure and corn stalk covered with a membrane in cold regions.

The disposal of livestock wastes is an urgent task in China. Compost is highly regarded for its ability to treat livestock wastes and protect arable land. In particular, some problems of livestock manure in cold regions, such as low efficiency because of low environmental temperature in winter, urgently need to be solved. In order to provide valuable composting information in the cold area at low environmental temperatures, the composting experiments were carried out with cow manure and corn stalk as substrates. The properties and bacterial community of compost samples in different stages were investigated. The electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and organic matter (OM) of the final compost were 551 μS/cm, 1.12, 0.77, and 63.5%, respectively. No E. coli or Ascaris eggs were detected. The temperature was the key factor to affect the physical-co-chemical and biological properties. The absolutely dominant genera were Sporosarcina, Virgibacillus, Flavobacterium, and Steroidobacter in heating, high temperature, cooling, and maturing stages, respectively. Also, these bacteria could act as biological indicators during the composting process. Cryobacterium, Caldicoprobacter, Virgibacillus, and Sporosarcina were relatively novel genera in the compost piles in a cold environment. The biodegradation of exogenous substances mainly occurs in the initial and maturing stages. It is proven that composting can be carried out successfully in early spring or later autumn after a harvest.

On-Farm Composting of Agricultural Waste Materials for Sustainable Agriculture in Pakistan.

Agriculture is the economic backbone of Pakistan. 67% of country's population resides in rural areas and primarily depends on agriculture. Pakistan's soils are poor in OM and have a low C : N ratio, and the overall fertility status is insufficient to support increased crop yields. Compost is an excellent alternative solution for improving soil OM content. However, this excellent alternative supply in Pakistan has yet to be used. Mass volumes of leaves, grass clippings, plant stalks, vines, weeds, twigs, and branches are burned daily. In this study, different compost piles (P1, P2, and P3) of compost were made using different agricultural and animal waste combinations to assess temperature, pH, and NPK. Results revealed that P3 demonstrated the most successful composting procedure. The temperature and pH levels throughout the composting process were determined in a specified range of 42–45oC and 6.1–8.3, respectively. Total nitrogen content ranged from 81.5 to 2175 ppm in farm compost. Total phosphorus concentrations range from 1.33 to 13.98 ppm, and potassium levels, on the other hand, range from 91.53 to 640 ppm in farm compost. The overall nitrogen concentration grew progressively between each pile at the end of a week. The varied concentrations revealed that adding various forms of agricultural waste would result in a variation in the quantity of NPK owing to microbial activity. On-farm composting has emerged as an effective technique for the sustainability of agricultural activities, capable of resolving crucial problems like crop residues and livestock waste disposal. Based on this study's results, the pile (P3) combination shows the best NPK value performance and is recommended for agricultural uses to overcome the OM deficiency.

Do anthropogenic sources of food increase livestock predation in the area surrounding Ruaha National Park?

SummaryWild carnivores are threatened by human activities, particularly by lethal responses to livestock predation. As natural prey populations decline, predation of livestock and consumption of discarded livestock ‘waste’ (carcasses and body parts) should increase. We investigated whether parameters linked to the production of livestock waste affected the likelihood of livestock predation. We interviewed 160 households near Ruaha National Park in Tanzania to obtain information on households, livestock ownership, predation and parameters linked to livestock waste production. Our analysis identified parameters that affected the likelihood of predation on cattle, sheep and goats. When these parameters were controlled for, we found an increased likelihood of cattle predation as waste from diseased and slaughtered cattle increased. Sheep predation was more likely and cattle predation was less likely as sheep deaths from starvation increased. Goat predation was more likely in medium-sized than smaller or larger villages, suggesting a trade-off to predators between the increasing benefit of more livestock waste and the costs of higher human disturbance and diminishing natural prey abundance as village size category increased. Our findings suggest that improved disposal of livestock waste from slaughtered cattle and measures to decrease cattle deaths from disease should reduce predation of highly prized cattle.

Development of the Manure Distributing Machine

HighlightsIn this study, a compact, mobile manure distributor capable of operating effectively on narrow farm roads and applying undiluted, highly concentrated manure on fields was developed.The inclusion of three manure distribution functions is expected to reduce manure transport and application costs.The use of this machine can reduce livestock waste disposal costs, increase soil fertility, enhance the physical and chemical properties of soil, reduce the use of commercial fertilizers when planting crops, upgrade the technology employed for recycling domestic livestock resources, and assist with animal husbandry by facilitating the planting of forage and high-energy crops.Abstract. In this study, the aim has been developed a manure collecting, processing, and distributing processor (machine) that is suitable for farming in Taiwan’s agricultural lands. The designed machine is composed of a stirring and draw unit, a manure containing barrel, a manure output mechanism, a ditch excavator, and a soil covering device or filling pipes set with pan-breakers. A tractor both carries and supplies power to the machine. Undiluted manure is pumped from an anaerobic fermentation tank into the manure containing barrel within which the stirring and draw unit is set, and after the manure is thoroughly mixed and stirred, it well the manure is delivered to the manure output mechanism through a 2-in. round pipe. The processing and spreading units developed here are soil-surface-spreading type, soil-stratum-setting type, and deep-soil-setting type. The soil-surface spreading type unit output manure on land surface directly then mixes the manure into soil by tillage, the soil-stratum-setting-type unit uses the ditch excavator to first dig a ditch, and after manure is pumped into the ditch, the soil covering device covers the ditch with the excavated soil. The deep soil setting enables manure to be deposited 30~40 cm below the soil surface, with the loose soil being spread back over the manure after filling. In field tests, manure was spread over the soil surface, incorporated into the soil, or deep filled into subsoil at three test sites, namely Yilan County riverside land, the Tainan County Livestock Research Institute, and a sweet potato field and cornfield in Tainan County. The results revealed that the 3-ton capacity of soil-stratum-setting method field capacity reached 0.58 ha/h at a speed of 2.92 ± 0.07 km/h, and the average cultivation depth was 17.5 ± 0.3 cm. The 5-ton capacity of soil-surface-spreading method working capacity was 1.02 ha/h at a speed of 3.49 ± 0.23 km/h. The 5-ton capacity of soil-stratum-setting method working capacity was 0.61 ha/h at a speed of 2.52 ± 0.32 km/h, and the average cultivation depth was 21.29 ± 1.31 cm. For the 5-ton capacity barrel of the deep-soil-setting type manure spreading machine field capacity was 0.62 ha/h at a speed of 2.8 ± 0.43 km/h. By using the soil-surface-spreading method can fast to handle livestock wastewater and/or manure spray-on land, and using the soil-stratum-setting method or deep-soil-setting method can reduce odor dissipation and fill it directly. Thus, this study successfully developed the compact, mobile, and domestically made manure-distributing processor that can suitably operate in Taiwan farm roads and apply undiluted, highly concentrated manure on fields. The three manure-distributing methods are expected to lower manure transport and application costs. Keywords: Fertilizer spreading, Reuse, Swine manure, Waste reduction.

The biotechnological method of livestock waste disposal

In livestock farms, the biotechnological animal waste disposal method can be used. Almost 150 million tons of organic waste are produced by farms every year. It has a negative impact on the environment. Therefore, the livestock complex needs to utilize its production wastes. The aim of the article is to study advantages of the biotechnological method of utilization of livestock production waste. A comparative analysis of various methods was carried out. The technological and economic advantages of the biotechnological method were determined, recommendations for the implementation of this method in livestock farms were given.

Spatiotemporal variation of nitrate concentrations in soil and groundwater of an intensely polluted agricultural area

Nitrate pollution in groundwater is a serious problem in many parts of the world. However, due to the diffuse and common spatially over-lapping character of potential several non-point pollution sources, it is often difficult to distinguish main nitrate sources responsible for the pollution. For this purpose, we present a novel methodology applied to groundwater for an intensely polluted area. Groundwater samples were collected monthly from April 2017 to March 2018 in Shimabara City, Nagasaki, Japan. Soil samples were collected seasonally at soil surface and 50 cm depth at 10 locations during the same period. Sequential extraction by water and extract agents was performed using calcium phosphate for anions and strontium chloride for cations. Mean nitrate concentration in groundwater close to a livestock waste disposal site (hereinafter called “LWDS”) was 14.2 mg L−1, which is exceeding Japanese drinking water standards (10 mg L−1). We used coprostanol concentration, which is a fecal pollution indicator, to identify pollution sources related to livestock waste. For this purpose, we measured coprostanol (5β) and cholestanol (5α) and then calculated the sterol ratio (5β/(5β + 5α)). The ratios for three groundwater sampling sites were 0.28, 0.26, and 0.10, respectively. The sterol ratios indicated no pollution (< 0.3). However, the detection of coprostanol originating from animal and human waste showed that groundwater was clearly affected by this pollution source. Nitrate levels in the soil were relatively high in samples collected close to the LWDS and coprostanol contents were affected by livestock waste. Soil and groundwater nitrate concentrations displayed a complex but strong relationship. Nitrate contents were shown to be transported downstream from source areas in both soil and groundwater.

Land use planning, geoecological and legal aspects of livestock waste disposal in Russian regions

The article presents an analysis of the Russian regions experience in resolving the issue of livestock waste disposal and pollution of land resources and atmospheric air. It was revealed that the problems with livestock waste management are more common in the central and western Russian regions. At the same time, these issues are relevant for the whole country. There are similar solutions in the regions, but it is equally important to amend the federal legislation. Progress in solving this problem is possible with the interaction of the state structures, and involvement of public organizations and, in view of limited powers of participants in environmental activities, using of GIS technologies, which should be given a legal status.

Research on the disinfection of livestock wastes by ultrasound

Issues of using existing systems for the disposal, treatment and disposal of livestock wastes, taking into account environmental protection and improving the sanitary condition of livestock farms, need to be addressed immediately. The proposed technology for disinfection of livestock waste is cost-effective only under certain conditions of processing of feedstock. Providing these conditions leads to higher cost of processing. The most advanced methods of disinfecting wastewater are physical methods of exposure. The use of ultrasound is effective in disinfecting livestock waste from aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Destruction of pathogenic microflora occurs under the influence of alternating loads, the range of which is established by the proposed method. Theoretical studies have established the scope of wave processes corresponding to ultrasonic disinfection of livestock waste. Under certain modes of radiation intensity and frequency, ultrasound results in a decrease in the coli titer of E. coli and staphylococci.

Assessment of the potential and prospects for the use of renewable energy sources in order to diversify electricity supply

The purpose of the article is to assess the potential and prospects of using renewable energy sources in order to diversify electricity supply. The object of the study is the natural and economic conditions that determine the feasibility of using renewable energy sources in order to diversify electricity supply. The basis of the study was the data of domestic and foreign scientists in the field of assessing the possibilities of using renewable energy sources. The region of activity of the guaranteeing supplier JSC AtomEnergoSbyt is represented by the Kursk, Smolensk, Tver and Murmansk regions. An assessment of the installed electric power generation capacities made it possible to determine that in the Kursk and Smolensk regions generation with the use of atomic energy predominates. In the Tver region, the largest share of installed capacities is accounted for by nuclear generation, however, thermal generation has a significant share. The installed capacities of the Murmansk region demonstrate significant differentiation. There is generation in the region using atomic, hydrocarbon and renewable energy sources. The region is the only one among the considered regions that uses renewable energy sources. More than half of the generation of electricity in the Murmansk region occurs using renewable energy sources. An assessment of the potential of renewable energy sources in the region of activity of the guaranteeing supplier showed that in the Kursk, Smolensk and Tver regions it is inexpedient to place generation facilities using solar, wind, geothermal and small river energy. In the Murmansk region, on the contrary, there is sufficient potential to accommodate wind and small hydropower plants. An assessment of the bioenergy potential of the livestock industry showed that it is advisable to develop biogas energy in the Kursk, Smolensk and Tver regions, which, on the one hand, will allow the disposal of livestock waste, and, on the other hand, provide small towns with electricity and heat.

Impact of chicken livestock waste on the quality of sail river in Pekanbaru City, Riau

This is research using a survey method, to analyze the impact of waste on the Sail Farm water quality. The sampling location was carried out at five points that are in the chicken farm (T3), 25m (T1) and 10m (T2) leads to the upstream before the drain pipe and 10m (T4) and 25m (T5) downstream after livestock waste disposal pipes. The results showed that the Sail River Water Quality was not met by the standards at T3, all parameters were observed both pH, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, TDS, TSS, DO, BOD, COD in not meeting government requirements in PP No. 82 of 2001 concerning water quality standards. In other locations (T1, T2, T4, and T5), it is known that the Sail River water quality still meets the applicable regulations.

Ecological and technological criteria for the efficient utilization of liquid manure

The article discusses the prospects for the development of environmental management in the disposal of livestock waste, in particular liquid manure, as part of an industrial approach to it. The data on the concentration of nutrients in liquid manure depending on its moisture are presented. Based on the analysis of empirical data and the results of previous studies, an exponential dependence is derived that indicates the relationship between the initial moisture content of liquid manure and its final volume. Criteria of effective utilization of liquid manure are formulated taking into account environmental and technological specifics.

Non-implementation of Planning Laws and Its Resultant Consequences as a Basis for Zoonotic Diseases Transmission among Urban Livestock Keepers in Potiskum Town, Yobe State, Nigeria

This study examined the management strategies applied by livestock producers and its resultant consequences on the environment and as such a threat to public health emanating basically from small land holdings in some selected wards in Potiskum town. Coordinates of 25 dumpsites generated through livestock waste disposal were taken using handheld GPS. Buffer of 200 meters radius was created at each dumpsite points where livestock farmers were randomly selected for oral interview. The results show that most of the livestock farmers acquire their land by mode of inheritance where a household died and his or her landed asset was shared among his/her heirs. Majority of the respondent’s views revealed that the sizes of their residential buildings where livestock were raised are less than a quarter plots with limited space for both human and animals. The study also revealed that there is direct closed association between human and animals due to small land holdings. The distance estimate between human habitat and that of livestock animals of the majority of the farmers is less than four meters (&lt;4m). Findings shows that direct animals and human interaction has became a serious health issue as some symptoms of zoonotic diseases (cholera. abortion, diarrhea, typhoid and so on) has been reported among livestock farmers. Some of the effects include degradation of land, deterioration of structures and contamination of water, noise pollution and destruction of properties among others. Descriptive research design method was used for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as percentage computation, frequency distribution table, line and bar graph respectively

Life cycle assessment of large-scale and household biogas plants in northwest China

Abstract In northwest China, large-scale (modern) and household biogas production (conventional) plants are the two main methods of biogas fermentation, a promising means of livestock waste disposal and effective agricultural recycling. Differences in the operating mechanisms of the two systems result in differences in their environmental performance. In this study, detailed life cycle assessments of large-scale and household biogas production were conducted to compare their environmental performance in terms of energy use and environmental impact potential per function unit (2136 tonne/yr of manure flowing into the biogas plant). Data were collected over a two-year period (2014–2016). The results showed that the total biogas output from the large-scale digester was 1.88 times that of the household digester. Net energy output did not differ much between the two systems, due to the high energy consumption of the large-scale plant during production. The energy-use efficiency of the large-scale plant was 1.29 times that of the household plant due to the use of co-products. Higher carbon dioxide and volatile organic compound emissions from the burning of biogas in the large-scale plant caused a higher potential for global warming and photochemical oxidation. However, higher ammonia and sulfur dioxide emissions occurred in the household plant, resulting in a higher potential for eutrophication, acidification and human toxicity. In conclusion, the waste of extra biogas for heat in large-scale biogas production, and undeveloped management, emissions through poor air-tightness and lack of technical biogas purification in household biogas production are the main hotspots to improve the environmental performance.

Spatial-Temporal Characteristics and LMDI-Based Impact Factor Decomposition of Agricultural Carbon Emissions in Hotan Prefecture, China

Greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural ecosystem account for 7%–20% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, while approximately 17% of China’s carbon emissions are from agriculture. In this study, based on the scientific calculation system of carbon emissions in agriculture, we calculated the carbon emissions of agriculture in the Hotan prefecture between 1999 and 2013 and analyzed their spatial-temporal characteristics; next, we used the LMDI model to study the driving factors of agricultural carbon emissions. The results demonstrated the following: (1) in time series, the agricultural carbon emissions showed three stages of change, i.e., “decline, continued to rise and decline”, during the period of 1999 to 2013 in the Hotan prefecture; (2) In space, the carbon emissions from agricultural land use, paddy fields, enteric fermentation, and manure management were different due to the different sizes of cities and counties. The intensity of agricultural carbon emissions was varied and high, but the agricultural production structure, agricultural carbon emissions structure and other aspects had a high degree of consistency and homogeneity in the cities and counties of the Hotan prefecture; (3) Regarding the driving mechanism, the labor factor, agricultural labor productivity, and planting-animal husbandry carbon intensity are the main factors that increase agricultural carbon emissions in the Hotan prefecture. Compared with 1999, three major factors cumulatively achieved a 199.68% carbon emission increment from 2000 to 2013, of which the labor factor cumulatively increased by 120.04%, the agricultural labor productivity factor cumulatively increased by 54.94% and the planting-animal husbandry carbon intensity factor cumulatively increased by 24.70%. The agricultural production structure factor largely inhibited agricultural carbon emissions of the Hotan prefecture, which cut 99.74% of the carbon emissions from 2000 to 2013. Finally, we proposed policy recommendations, including the acceleration of labor transfer, the innovation and promotion of science and technology, the scientific breeding and rational disposal of livestock waste, and the adjustment and optimization of the agricultural industry structure.

Characterization of Microbial Community Changes in Process Affected by Physicochemical Parameters During Liquid Fertilization of Swine Waste

Livestock wastes are considered as major environmental pollutants because they contain high concentration of organic materials. In 2001, The Environmental Department reported that stock farmers were increasing as 5.1%/year, which resulted in a gradual increase in livestock wastes generation. The direct disposal of livestock wastes create several environmental problems. Thus, several countries banned the disposal of livestock wastes in environment including aquatic systems. Recently, aeration-based liquid fertilization was considered as potential way for the disposal of livestock wastes. In this study, next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis was used to understand the microbial community changes during liquid fertilization of livestock wastes. Microbial community was compared with liquid fertilizer physicochemical analysis such as <TEX>$BOD_5$</TEX>, <TEX>$COD_{Mn}$</TEX> pH, N (Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus), K (Potassium) etc. The physicochemical parameters and bacterial community results pave the way for producing effective livestock-based fertilizer. By comparing the physical characteristics of the manure with microbial community changes, it is possible to optimize the conditions for producing effective fertilizer.

Man vs. manure: Examining the effects of residential demand on dairy farming in rural America

Spatial concerns are growing in many rural regions in the United States. Exurban sprawl and residential development can often surge past urban boundaries and encroach on historically rural areas. These emerging “co-existence” problems affect both farms and non-farming rural residents. One area of particular concern has been zoning and land use regulation laws associated with livestock waste handling. In this research, we develop an agent based simulation/case example of a representative county in rural Vermont to illustrate how the proximity of non-farm rural residents (NFRRs) to existing dairy farms in the region can curtail potential farm expansion, primarily through laws governing livestock waste disposal and pit location. The disposal problem is further exacerbated by certain physical land features as many NFRR homes are located on escarpments, as well as other physical features which tend to run diagonally, the latter situation being one that further complicates field manure disposal traffic patterns. Thus, the co-existence issue in dairy farming in much of rural America has an important spatial dimension.