Liquid Cattle Manure Research Articles

Nitrogenated Fertilization In Pasture Brachiaria Brizantha Cv. Marandu Via Organic Compounds

The objective was to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative effect of fertilization of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu using nitrogen from liquid cattle manure and organomineral fertilizer. The experiment was developed in a pasture already established and soil analysis of this area was made for the necessary corrections. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of control with 0 kg/ha of N, 3 treatments with application of bovine liquid manure and 3 treatments with organomineral fertilizer in the dosages of 60, 120 and 180 kg/ha of N. Three cuts were made in Marandu grass when the pasture reached 30 cm in height, leaving a residue of 15 cm, the production of DM, leaf production, stem, CP, NDF and ADF were evaluated. At the end of the experiment, the cost of fertilizing with manure and organomineral fertilizer was done. To compare the averages obtained and the morphological components of each sample, the Tukey test at 5% significance was used, with the aid of the SISVAR statistical program. With the highest nitrogen levels of organomineral fertilizer and the bovine liquid manure, a higher CP content was obtained, reaching 9.30; 7.78 and 7.90% in the first cut, with organo 180, 120 and manure 180 respectively. Fertilizations with manure 60 and 180, organomineral 120 and 180 showed the lowest values for NDF in the first cut, the ADF only showed a significant difference in the second cut with organo 60, manure 120 and 60 with the highest values. Organomineral fertilizer in different doses provided higher production, but at a higher cost. Fertilization improved the quality of the forage.

313 Efficacy of Vermifiltration to Treat Liquid Cattle Manure to Mitigate Carbon and Nitrogen Emissions

Abstract The objective was to determine the efficacy of a vermifiltration system that treats liquid cattle manure to alter methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), ammonia (NH3) emissions, and nutrient composition (potassium-K; phosphorus-P; nitrogen-N). Liquid manure was sampled as it entered the worm-bed (influent) and as it exited from the worm-bed (effluent) to measure changes in nutrient composition. Worm-bed surface fluxes of CH4 and N2O were measured in real-time for three distinct environmental temperatures (0 ˚C, 10 ˚C, and 20 ˚C) to examine seasonal variation at several locations in the 3.64 ha worm-bed using isolation chambers and cavity ring-down spectrometry. NH3 flux was measured from the chambers using a ChemComb 3500 Speciation Collection Cartridge and coated honeycomb denuders. NH3 samples were eluted within 4 h of collection and stored at -20 ˚C until colorimetric analysis. Duplicate NH3 measurements were made for each chamber location at each temperature. Examination of the influx and efflux data indicates reductions of 25% in K, 96% in P, 99% in total suspended solids, 92% in volatile solids, and 92% in total Kjeldahl N. Chamber CH4 concentrations at 0 ˚C (0.51 to 1.18 ppm) tended to be less at 10 ˚C (2.17 to 2.67 ppm) and 20 ˚C (1.6 to 2.45 ppm) but were not different across temperatures (P < .077) and reflected ambient concentrations (2.44 ppm). N2O concentrations at 0 ˚C (157.00 to 224.00 ppb) and 10 ˚C (86.3 to 176.5 ppb) were not different than ambient (358.5 ppb), but at 20 ˚C (400.0 to 655.0 ppb) concentrations tended to be greater (P < 0.07). NH3 concentrations at 0 ˚C (0.06 to 0.33 ppm) and 20 ˚C (1.35 and 2.21 ppm) were not different but at 10 ˚C (11.8 to 28.7 ppm) were greater (P < 0.05). Fluxes were calculated for each sampling period. During 0 ˚C flux densities were 1.61 ± 0.17 mg· m-2· day-1 for N2O, 2.5 0.57mg m-2· day-1 for CH4, and 0.007± 0.00 mg m-2· day-1 for NH3. At 20°C flux densities were 1.98± 0.63 mg· m-2day-1 for N2O, 2.88± 0.755 mg m-2· day-1 for CH4, and 25.4 ± 0.0 mg· m-2· day-1 for NH3.Flux calculations and extrapolation of emission rates to the entire system indicates that vermifiltration is an effective strategy to alter nutrient concentrations and reduce CH4 emissions but not emissions of N2O and NH3.

Validation of a method to determine transformation of chemicals in anaerobic liquid pig and cattle manure for the OECD test guideline programme

Manure is widely used as a fertilizer and applied to agricultural land. It may contain highly active chemicals like veterinary medicinal products or biocides, which enter into the environment by this pathway. This is recognized by several regulatory frameworks, however, a detailed method for examining the transformation of chemicals in manure was lacking. This article describes the validation of a method for studying the anaerobic transformation of chemicals in pig and cattle liquid manure. Different steps are covered with an emphasis on the validation ring test and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) process that led to the recent adoption of the method as OECD Test Guideline (TG) 320.

Yield of ‘Gigante’ cactus pear cultivated under biofertilizer doses and application intervals

ABSTRACT Due to the water restriction, associated with the high cost of fertilizers, and the need to produce forage in the semi-arid regions, studies using biofertilizers in cactus pear production tend to become impactful. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphometric characteristics and yield of ‘Gigante’ cactus pear cultivated under doses and application intervals of bovine manure biofertilizer. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme, with two biofertilizer application intervals (14 and 21 days) and five biofertilizer doses (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 m3 ha-1). Three replicates were used, totaling 30 experimental units. The following variables were evaluated: plant height, number of cladodes, cladode length, cladode width and cladode area index, dry biomass percentage, and green and dry biomass yields. The use of 60 m3 ha-1 of liquid cattle manure biofertilizer increased the yield of ‘Gigante’ cactus pear. The application of 60 m3 ha-1 of biofertilizer at the interval of 14 days increased the yield of ‘Gigante’ cactus pear.

Biogas, a Prospect for Renewable Energy Resource in South Africa

South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuel to meet its energy demands is well documented. However, there are concerns associated with fossil fuel, especially the fact that it leads to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. These shortcomings have influenced the government to consider renewable energy options. For example, the application of biogas technology as an alternative source of energy has the potential to fill societal energy gap. Due to the wide-scale availability of biodegradable organic waste that abounds in the country, biogas is considered as a feasible energy source to form part of the country energy mix. Based on the calculated annual potential for electricity production of 189 684 MWh/a and 609 205 MWh/a from fruit waste and cattle liquid manure, respectively, the technology has proven to be dependable and feasible in providing energy in South Africa, where electricity problems thrive, resulting in load shedding. This article aimed at highlighting the potential of biogas technology in South Africa, by overviewing the prospects and bottlenecks of the technology.

Long-term Fertilization with Liquid Cattle Manure Leaves Legacy Nutrients, but not Organic Carbon and Has No Effect on Soil Microbial and Physical Properties a Year after Last Application

ABSTRACT Long-term liquid cattle manure (LCM) application can enhance soil fertility, increase soil organic carbon, and improve soil properties. We investigated the residual effects of long-term fertilization with LCM on physical, chemical and microbial properties of a calcareous soil. The effects of LCM, common inorganic fertilization, recommended fertilization or non-fertilized control were investigated in field plots with corn (Zea mays L.), 1 year after the cessation of 16-years of experimentation. The residual concentrations of soil available P, K, Cu, Zn, B and total N but not NO3-N remained significantly higher with LCM, while there were no differences in soil pH, electrical conductivity and sodium adsorption ratio, compared to the other treatments. The previously observed increase of soil organic C with LCM was no longer evidenced. For aggregate size distribution and stability, microbial biomass N, easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein, number and morphotypes of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores and percentage of root length colonization, there was no difference among treatments. Microbial growth and activity were limited by C, while the calcareous nature of the soil was more important than glomalin for soil aggregation. In conclusion, the residual effects of LCM were limited to soil nutrient increase.

Fall-applied cattle manure did not provide nitrogen fertilizer value to spring cereal crops

Fall-applied manure may have nitrogen (N) fertilizer value for spring-seeded crops. We applied liquid or solid cattle manure to plots on a sandy-loam soil in southern Quebec in fall. The following spring, half of each plot received urea fertilizer before planting the spring cereal crop. Total N content of the spring cereal at tillering, flowering, and maturity was lower in subplots without urea, and yields were up to 183% less in the no-urea subplots, regardless of whether liquid or solid manure was applied in fall. Fall-applied manure did not provide plant-available N to spring cereals under our growing conditions.

Biota of subtropical Oxisols under no-tillage with application of liquid cattle manure

Context Organic amendments in agricultural systems benefit the soil biota; however, their consecutive use can interfere negatively with the biota diversity and functionality. Aims This study evaluated the biomass and microbial activity and the epiedaphic fauna response of soil with consecutive liquid cattle manure (LCM) addition (4 years) in no-tillage. Methods The experiment was run in two Oxisol textures: sandy clay loam and clayey. The treatments were the control (un-manured) and three LCM doses: 60, 120 and 180 m−3 ha−1 year−1, distributed in a completely randomised block design with four replications. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil microbial respiration (SMR), and microbial quotient (qMIC) were performed in the 0–5 cm layer. The epiedaphic fauna was captured by traps and abundance and ecological indices were evaluated in spring and autumn seasons. Key results In sandy clay loam soil, the MBC and SMR increased up to 180 m−3 ha−1 year−1 in both spring and autumn, while in clayey soil, only the SMR increased up in the spring. The most representative groups of the epiedaphic fauna were Collembola, Acarine, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera. The Collembola population was predominant in both soils and seasons. Conclusions Consecutive annual applications of LCM in no-tillage had a greater positive impact in the soil biota in the sandy clay loam soil and in the spring season and did not negatively affect the ecological functioning of the soil biota system. Implications Application of liquid cattle manure may be beneficial for the sustainability of the agroecosystem and as a highly available and low-cost waste, it may be an alternative for replacing chemical fertilisers.

Sustainability assessment of bioenergy at different scales: An emergy analysis of biogas power production

The purpose of this work is to present the application of Emergy Analysis to a biogas power plant , with the aim at assessing its integrated sustainability and studying how the emergy indicators of sustainability depend on the boundary selection. The object of the analysis is a biogas power plant fed on agriculture and zootechnical biomass. The complex interaction of the involved subsystems and the exchange of resource flows require powerful integrated analyses as well as the definition of reliable performance indicators. Emergy Analysis has been addressed as specifically useful to integrate the upstream and the downstream aspects along with the potential circularity of resource flows, providing in this way a quantitative estimation of the sustainability performance of the systems. The analysis was applied at two scales: the Reference System (biogas power plant plus the agricultural cultivations) and the Expanded System, which includes also the cattle breeding, whose main purpose is meat and milk production, but which provides the liquid cattle manure for the Reference System operation. The main emergy indicators have been calculated and reported: for the Reference System, the transformity of produced electricity results similar to fossil-based energy production systems; the Emergy Yield Ratio is about 1, showing that the system cannot be considered as an energy source, rather acting like a consumer; the Environmental Loading Ratio is very high, as the local renewable fraction of the resources exploited is very low compared to the non-renewable ones. The expansion of the system analysis allows to study the added value of linking the subsystems agriculture-breeding-energy production, which provide more products and services to the economy than the sole energy. The need of performing sustainability assessment at different scales appears to be presently the main issue in the analyses that should result suitable for the policy-making processes. • A sustainability evaluation is made of a biogas power plant (BPP) by Emergy Analysis. • Two scales are considered: BPP plus agriculture, and BPP plus agriculture and cattle breeding. • Emergy indicators show that the system acts more as a consumer than an energy source. • BPP efficiency is insufficient to make it competitive with fossil fuel-based power generation. • Improvements require to reduce the dependence of agriculture and livestock on fossil fuels.

Liquid Cattle Manure Effect on Corn Yield and Nutrients’ Uptake and Soil Fertility, in Comparison to the Common and Recommended Inorganic Fertilization

Liquid dairy cattle (Bos taurus) manure effect on corn (Zea mays L.) yield and nutrients’ uptake and soil fertility were studied, in comparison to the crop’s common and recommended inorganic fertilization, by means of a 5-year field experiment. The treatments applied each year in the same plots were: (i) manure, (ii) common inorganic fertilization, (iii) recommended inorganic fertilization, and (iv) no fertilization. Each year from each plot, surface soil samples were collected before sowing, corn aboveground biomass was collected at silage, they were analyzed, and grain yield was determined at harvest. Upon all kinds of fertilization, corn silage yield increased in comparison to control and ranged between 51 and 194, 50 and 190, and 39 and 189% for the manure, recommended, and common inorganic fertilization treatment, respectively. Similarly, grain yield and the macro- and micronutrients’ plant uptake were increased. Soil fertility improved regarding the NO3-N, which upon organic or inorganic fertilization increased 10–46% in comparison to the control. Manure application significantly increased K by 32–81%. However, in the case of P, an excessive increase was observed, which was two to three times higher than the inorganic fertilization (30–44 mg kg−1). Consequently, repeated annual applications of liquid cattle manure to soil can enhance crop yield, nutrients’ uptake, and soil fertility, at levels higher or similar to the common or recommended inorganic fertilization for the crop. However, the possibility of P build up should also be considered.

Size-dependent growth kinetics of struvite crystals in wastewater with calcium ions

AbstractKinetic parameters describing continuous reaction crystallization of struvite from aqueous solutions containing also calcium ions (from 100 to 2000 mg Ca2+/kg) were estimated. Test results were compared with kinetic data of struvite manufactured from real cattle liquid manure. Kinetic model for ideal MSMPR (Mixed Suspension Mixed Product Removal) crystallizer was used assuming dependence of crystal growth rate G on its size L (size-dependent growth, SDG MSMPR model). Based on nonlinear regression and statistical analysis, one from within five considered G(L) models was selected – Rojkowski exponential (RE) model – rendering the experimental population density distributions the best. It was concluded, that calcium ions influenced all components of struvite manufacturing process disadvantageously. A rise of Ca2+ concentration in a feed from 100 to 2000 mg/kg increased nucleation rate ca. 160-time, whereas growth rate of nuclei up to macroscopic size G0 decreased more than 10-time. Linear (larger) crystal growth rate G¥ was nearly two-times smaller: 1.71·10–8 m/s (100 mg Ca2+/kg) – 9.10·10–9 m/s (2000 mg Ca2+/kg). Resulting in a product with deteriorated quality. Mean size of the crystals decreased nearly two-times (to 18.4 μm), non-homogeneity within product population enlarged and calcium fraction in the product increased. The product, beside struvite MgNH4PO4·6H2O, also contained hydrated amorphous calcium phosphate(V) Ca3(PO4)2·nH2O (ACP). It was observed, that 5-times smaller concentration of phosphate(V) ions in a feed and magnesium ions excess in relation to phosphate(V) and ammonium ions (1.2 : 1 : 1) influenced all kinetic parameters of continuous struvite reaction crystallization advantageously.

Development of a test method for transformation of veterinary pharmaceuticals and biocides in anaerobic liquid manure

BackgroundSpreading of manure on agricultural soils represents an important pathway by which veterinary medicinal and biocidal products enter the environment. To assess their environmental impact in the context of authorization processes, experimental testing of transformation of these compounds in manure is considered in regulatory guidance documents. However, there is no standardized experimental test method available so far. To fill this gap, an experimental test method was developed to examine transformation in liquid cattle and pig manure.ResultsTo account for manure specifics and for a possible influence of manure parameters on transformation rates, a comprehensive data acquisition and statistical analysis were performed. To address the variability of liquid manure of different type and origin, 30 manures were sampled and characterized. Thereof, three cattle and three pig manures were selected to perform anaerobic transformation studies with two radiolabeled veterinary medicinal active substances (14C-salicylic acid and 14C-paracetamol) and a confidential radiolabeled “14C-biocide B” serving as test compounds. Spatial and seasonal variability of manure parameters was quantified, and a sampling technique to obtain homogenous manure samples was developed. Transformation studies with six replicates per sampling point were conducted to examine the influence of test setup, of manure storage conditions, and of parameter variations between manure of the same species and of different species on half-lives, formation of extractable and non-extractable residues and mineralization rates. Finally, a test design was established that yields reproducible results for transformation studies in liquid cattle and pig manure under anaerobic conditions.ConclusionsResults give a reliable basis for an experimental test method to perform anaerobic transformation studies in liquid cattle and pig manure. The developed test method comprises detailed guidance on selection of sampling date and site, collection from manure tank, storage duration and temperature in the laboratory, duration of manure acclimation period, and the incubation system design. It proved to give reproducible results in a validation ring test performed in a follow-up project and is planned to be submitted as draft test guideline for approval by the OECD.

Biomethanation at 45 °C offers high process efficiency and supports hygienisation

The aim of this work was to prove a process temperature of 45 °C as a practical alternative to commonly applied mesophilic (37 °C) and thermophilic (55 °C) anaerobic digestion (AD). Regarding methane production, no differences were found between the three temperature regimes. However, the maximum possible loading rate at 45 °C exceeded that at 37 °C and 55 °C. Pathogen inactivation at 45 °C was higher than at 37 °C and similarly efficient as at 55 °C. At each process temperature, a unique microbial community established. In addition, the archaeome at 55 °C was dominated by hydrogenotrophs, while at 37 °C and 45 °C it was dominated by acetotrophs. For the investigated substrate mixture, liquid cattle manure with wheat straw as co-substrate, 45 °C turned out to be preferable for AD. For other substrates, these findings still need to be confirmed.

Trade-offs of gaseous emissions from soils under vegetable, wheat-maize and apple orchard cropping systems applied with digestate: An incubation study

ABSTRACTLand application of digestate from anaerobic digestion causes various gaseous emissions. A soil core incubation experiment was carried out in the laboratory to investigate the trade-offs of NH3, N2O and CH4 emissions from soils collected from vegetable, arable and orchard cropping systems. Digestate derived from liquid cattle manure was applied to the soil cores through the surface (SA) and incorporation application (IA) methods under three soil moisture conditions (40%, 60%, and 80% water-filled pore space, WFPS). Gaseous emissions from vegetable soil were significantly greater (P< .05) than those from soils under the other two cropping systems under similar conditions, particularly under a high moisture condition. The greenhouse gas emissions (GHG, in term of CO2-equivalents) of all soils increased with the increasing soil moisture contents, mainly due to rapidly increasing N2O emissions. Trade-offs in the emissions of these three gases were observed between SA and IA. As expected, SA was characterized by greater NH3 and CH4 but lower N2O emissions compared to IA. The increase in GHG under IA could be offset only somewhat by the reduced NH3 (and this reduced indirect N2O) and CH4 emissions under lower moisture conditions (<60% WFPS), which indicates a requirement for other strategies to control gaseous emissions from wet soils applied with digestate. In conclusion, an environmentally friendly strategy for digestate application should consider the soil moisture, types of soils and application methods, and all the presented suggestions need to be verified in the field in the future.Implications: This study shows that digestate incorporation can decrease NH3 but increase GHG emissions verse the surface application method, where the increased GHG could only be offset by the NH3 reductions at relatively dry soil condition, indicating an urgent requirement to mitigating GHG emissions under moist soil condition.

Meningkatkan Nilai Tambah Urin Sapi Menjadi Pupuk Organik Cair Melalui Fermentasi

General Purpose of Appropriate Technology for Fermentation of Cow Urine to Liquid Organic Fertilizer is an effort to increase the added value of livestock wastewater. This activity is a downstream process of the utilization of cattle wastewater from research results to the community, can increase the productivity of added value, quality and competitiveness of technology products processing liquid livestock waste into liquid organic fertilizer based on science and technology. He methods and stages in applying technology to the people used are: the socialization of technology for processing liquid cattle manure into liquid organic fertilizer through fermentation design of cow urine processing equipment for liquid fertilizer production, assistance in the production of liquid organic fertilizer, and packaging of liquid organic fertilizer, reporting, follow-up, monitoring and evaluation. The results of the activity are liquid processing of manure, liquid organic fertilizer, and publications in the mass media and publications in ISSN journals. The liquid organic fertilizer product of this activity has a nutrient content quality above the SNI standard

Modeling and Mitigating Phosphorus Losses from a Tile-Drained and Manured Field Using RZWQM2-P.

Prediction of P losses from manured agricultural fields through surface runoff and tile drainage is necessary to mitigate widespread eutrophication in water bodies. However, present water quality models are weak in predicting P losses, particularly in tile-drained and manure-applied cropland. We developed a field-scale P management model, the Root Zone Water Quality Model version 2-Phosphorus (RZWQM2-P), whose accuracy in simulating P losses from manure applied agricultural field is yet to be tested. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the accuracy of this new model in simulating dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) and particulate phosphorus (PP) losses in surface runoff and tile drainage from a manure amended field, and (ii) to identify best management practices to mitigate manure P losses including water table control, manure application timing, and spreading methods by the use of model simulation. The model was evaluated against data collected from a liquid cattle manure applied field with maize ( L.)-soybean [ (L.) Merr.] rotation in Ontario, Canada. The results revealed that the RZWQM2-P model satisfactorily simulated DRP and PP losses through both surface runoff and tile drainage (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency > 0.50, percentage bias within ±25%, and index of agreement > 0.75). Compared with conventional management practices, manure injection reduced the P losses by 18%, whereas controlled drainage and winter manure application increased P losses by 13 and 23%, respectively. The RZWQM2-P is a promising tool for P management in manured and subsurface drained agricultural field. The injection of manure rather than controlled drainage is an effective management practice to mitigate P losses from a subsurface-drained field.

Struvite nucleation and crystal growth kinetics from cattle liquid manure

Cattle liquid manure (CLM) in future may become excellent raw material for the solid mineral fertilizers production. Phosphates(V) recovery from CLM can be done, e.g. through reaction crystallization of sparingly soluble salts: magnesium and ammonium phosphate(V) hexahydrate MgNH4PO4·6H2O (MAP, struvite) or/and calcium phosphates(V). The original kinetic calculations based on experimental test results concerning continuous reaction crystallization of sparingly soluble phosphates(V) from cattle liquid manure in a continuous laboratory DT MSMPR (Draft Tube, Mixed Suspension Mixed Product Removal) crystallizer with internal circulation of suspension driven by propeller stirrer are presented. Two kinetic models of continuous mass crystallization in MSMPR crystallizer: SIG (Size Independent Growth) and RE SDG (Rojkowski Exponential Size Dependent Growth) were adopted. Advantageous effects of: low pH (8.5), elongated mean residence time of suspension in a crystallizer (3600 s) and magnesium ions excess in relation to phosphate(V) ions concentration (1.2:1) on the process results were observed. Under the considered process conditions linear crystal growth rates of struvite were: G from 4.11 × 10−3 to 1.01 × 10−2 µm s−1 and G∞ from 5.30 × 10−3 to 1.02 × 10−2 µm s−1.

TECNOLOGÍA QUE AHORRA RECURSOS PARA LA FABRICACIÓN DE FERTILIZANTES ORGÁNICOS RESPETUOSOS CON EL MEDIO AMBIENTE

The relevance of the paper is determined by the lack of technology for disinfection and treatment of the produced liquid cattle manure in the arctic regions of Russia (the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)). The research objective is the development of technology for recycling of the cattle manure with resulting environmentally friendly organic fertilizers in biogas units. The technology allows agriculturalists to establish energy-saving self-contained manufacture. The primary research methods are the theory of similarity and experimental design theory, mathematical programming and simulation modelling methods. The Excel, Statistica 8, MathCAD programmes were used. The resource-saving technology for manufacturing biofertilizer from the cattle manure was developed, based on the mesophilic methanogenic microorganisms adapted to psychrophilic conditions. Thus, a psychrophilic anaerobic technology working steadily under low temperatures was obtained for the first time. Introduction of a new technology in agricultural enterprises of Yakutia enables to yield on average 4.659 tonnes of mineralized organic fertilizer daily; the expected amount of finance from the sale of organic fertilizers will make 0,056 mln USD. The materials of the paper can be useful for students, lecturers and research scientists of natural and technical specialties, as well as for specialists of the agroindustrial complex and for farmers. Keywords: liquid manure, biogas unit, anaerobic digestion, psychrophilic mode, biofertilizer.

Flow rate of liquid cattle manure leakage into subsoil during storage

Under laboratory conditions, seepage of liquid cattle manure with dry matter content of 3–8% through subsoil was studied in relation to its dry matter content and period of storage. Statistical dependence of the total amount of eluate on the dry matter has been found (P = 0.0013). A hypothesis was also confirmed that liquid cattle manure shows a sealing effect during storage. It was found that the average value of coefficient of permeability decreases as soon as 48 hours after the start of storage under the value 5.56171 × 10&lt;sup&gt;–6&lt;/sup&gt; cm·s&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, which, according to peer reviewed literature, is not hazardous to the environment. The results will help in designing projects of liquid cattle manure reservoirs and assessment of their effect on the environment.

Modeling phosphorus losses from soils amended with cattle manures and chemical fertilizers

While applied manure/fertilizer is an important source of P loss in surface runoff, few models simulate the direct transfer of phosphorus (P) from soil-surface-applied manure/fertilizer to surface runoff. The SurPhos model was tested with 2008–2010 growing season daily surface runoff data from clay loam experimental plots subject to different manure/fertilizer applications. Model performance was evaluated on the basis of the coefficient of determination (R2), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percent bias (PBIAS), and the ratio of the root mean square error to the standard deviation of observed values (RSR). The model offered an acceptable performance in simulating soil labile P dynamics (R2 = 0.75, NSE = 0.55, PBIAS = 10.43%, and RSR = 0.67) and dissolved reactive P (DRP) loss in surface runoff (R2 ≥ 0.74 and NSE ≥ 0.69) for both solid and liquid cattle manure, as well as inorganic fertilizer. Simulated direct P loss in surface runoff from solid and liquid cattle manure accounted for 39% and 40% of total growing season DRP losses in surface runoff. To compensate for the unavailability of daily surface runoff observations under snow melt condition, the whole four years' (2008–2011) daily surface runoff predicted by EPIC (Environmental Policy Integrated Climate) was used as SurPhos input. The accuracy of simulated DRP loss in surface runoff under the different manure/fertilizer treatments was acceptable (R2 ≥ 0.55 and NSE ≥ 0.50). For the solid cattle manure treatment, of all annual DRP losses, 19% were derived directly from the manure. Beyond offering a reliable prediction of manure/fertilizer P loss in surface runoff, SurPhos quantified different sources of DRP loss and dynamic labile P in soil, allowing a better critical assessment of different P management measures' effectiveness in mitigating DRP losses.