Swine Lagoon Effluent Research Articles

Swine Lagoon Effluent Disposal by Overland Flow: Effects on Forage Production and Uptake of Nitrogen and Phosphorus

AbstractSwine (Sus scrofa) production requires economical and environmentally safe waste management systems. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of swine lagoon effluent on dry matter yield and N and P uptake of a mixture of hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. cv. Russell] and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) grown on a Marvyn loamy sand (fine‐loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludult). Treatments included a control with no nutrient additions, NH4NO3 at 560 kg N ha−1 yr−1, and swine lagoon effluent at 560, 1120, and 2240 kg N ha−1 yr−1. Effluent was applied using an overland flow technique. The highest lagoon effluent rate added N at 4 times and P at 11 times the normally recommended rates for these forage grasses. Total dry matter yield was significantly increased by NH4NO3 and swine lagoon effluent additions, compared with the control treatment. Dry matter yield for the lowest effluent rate was not significantly different from that for the NH4NO3 treatment, and dry matter yields were not significantly different among the three rates of lagoon effluent. Increasing the effluent rates generally increased total N and total P concentrations in the forage. Recoveries were about 32% for N and 20% for P at the lowest rate of lagoon effluent, and about 13% for N and 9% for P at the highest rate. The low recoveries of N and P with higher than recommended effluent rates could have environmental implications for the quality of soil, groundwater, and surface runoff.

Phosphorus Recovery in Surface Runoff from Swine Lagoon Effluent by Overland Flow

A study was conducted in Alabama to determine P removal by overland flow of swine lagoon effluent on bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.'Russell') and annual ryegrass (Lolium maltiflorum Lam). Treatments included ammonium nitrate at 560 kg N ha -1 yr -1 , three rates of lagoon effluent which provided 560, 1120, and 2240 kg N ha -1 yr -1 and 71, 142, and 284 kg P ha -1 yr -1 , respectively, and a control. Experiments were conducted at 5 and 10% slopes on a Marvyn loamy sand (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Kanhapludults). The length of slope from application site to collection site was 6.1 m. Surface runoff was collected and sampled monthly for dissolved and sediment P. The results indicated that higher concentrations of P were found during the early spring and summer seasons when treatments were applied. Concentrations of dissolved P and total P exceeded critical values associated with accelerated eutrophication. No significant differences were found for sediment P concentrations on either 5 or 10% slopes for any of the three rates of P application. Phosphorus applications did not significantly affect dissolved P concentrations on the 5% slope, but there were significant treatment effects for dissolved P concentrations on the 10% slope. Slope did not significantly affect dissolved P concentration but significantly affected sediment P concentration. Total P mass losses in surface runoff were <0.6 kg P ha -1 on the 5% slope and 1.0 kg P ha -1 on the 10% slope during the research period.

POTENTIAL OF PAULOWNIA ELONGATA TREES FOR SWINE WASTE UTILIZATION

A greenhouse experiment was done with vegetatively propagated trees to examine the influence of swine lagoon effluent on the growth and foliar nutrient content of the fast-growing hardwood species Paulownia elongata. Application of swine lagoon effluent promoted plant growth and was as beneficial as a complete chemical fertilizer applied at a similar nitrogen loading rate. Foliar concentrations of nitrogen were high, typically between 3.5% and 4.5%, when swine lagoon effluent was applied at a nitrogen loading rate equivalent to 205 or 409 kg/ha. Zinc and copper concentrations were also relatively high when plants received these swine lagoon effluent treatments (45 to 55 ppm and 17 to 23 ppm, respectively). Sufficient variation among P. elongata clones was revealed for growth parameters and foliar nutrient concentrations to anticipate a benefit from the selection of genotypes that are the most efficient for remediation of animal waste, i.e., high biomass production and foliar nutrient accumulation. The data show that P. elongata has potential for use as a swine waste utilization species.

Application of nitrogen from swine lagoon effluent to bermudagrass pastures: seasonal changes in forage nitrogenous constituents and effects of energy and escape protein supplementation on beef cattle performance.

A 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate 1) the effects of nitrogen level from swine lagoon effluent on forage composition and animal performance and 2) the effects of supplemental escape protein (EP) on performance by steers grazing pastures fertilized with swine lagoon effluent. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures were fertilized via sprinkler irrigation with either 448 or 896 kg/ha of N from swine lagoon effluent (two pasture replications/treatment). Within each pasture, four supplement treatments were evaluated using electronic Calan gates (8 steers.pasture-1.yr-1). The treatments were 1) negative control (pasture only); 2) energy control, which supplied 79.9 g of EP.hd-1.d-1; 3) 159 g of EP.hd-1.d-1, and 4) 239 g of EP.hd-1.d-1. Gains were increased (P < .05) an average of .15 kg/d by supplementation, with no differences in gain among supplements. Forage samples representative of that grazed by steers (CONSUM) and representative of all available forage (AVAIL) were obtained at 14-d intervals. Total CP content of CONSUM and AVAIL samples were slightly higher (P < .20 and P < .15, respectively) from pastures fertilized with 896 compared with 448 kg/ha of N (20.8 vs 20.0% for CONSUM and 15.2 vs 14.2% for AVAIL). Concentrations of nonprotein N and soluble true protein (% of CP) in both AVAIL and CONSUM samples were higher (P < .06) from pastures fertilized with the higher N level. Total N uptake by the plant, based on CP content and animal grazing days/ha, was essentially the same for both N treatments.

Forage characteristics, steer performance, and water quality from bermudagrass pastures fertilized with two levels of nitrogen from swine lagoon effluent.

Four .8-ha pastures of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) were fertilized with either 456 or 873 kg/ha of nitrogen (N) from swine lagoon effluent (two replicates per treatment) and grazed by steers over two summers. Within each pasture, steers received forage only, an energy source (corn), a mixture of corn and soybean meal, or a mixture of corn and blood meal via electronic Calan feeders. All supplements were offered at a level of 1.36 kg/d, and the soybean meal and blood meal supplements provided similar among quantities of protein. Weight gains were similar among supplemented steers, but supplemented steers gained faster (P < .05) than controls. Nitrogen fertilization level had no effect on steer gains, steer grazing days per hectare, or in vitro dry matter disappearance, NDF, and ADF of clipped forage samples. Plant protein and nitrate ion concentrations were greater (P < .06) in clipped forage samples receiving the higher N application rate. Nitrate ion concentrations were greater in available forage samples from the pastures with the high N application rate. Mean total N and nitrate N concentrations were similar in water samples obtained from monitoring wells for the two N treatments over the 2 yr and there were no year x N interactions. Chloride concentrations were greater (P < .05) and pH and specific conductance were less in water samples collected from the 873 kg than from the 456 kg/ha N treatment. Long-term studies are needed to examine the possible cumulative effects of applying various levels of swine waste to the same land area.

Long‐Term Swine Lagoon Effluent Applications on ‘Coastal’ Bermudagrass: I. Yield, Quality, and Element Removal

AbstractSwine (Sus scrofa domesticus) confinement systems that use anaerobic lagoons for waste collection in the humid regions require effluent removal during the year. Land area adjacent to the hog facility frequently becomes the site for continuous effluent distribution. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of long‐term application of swine lagoon effluent to ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] on dry matter yield, stand persistence, and nutrient concentration and removal. Effluent loading rates of low (L), medium (M), and high (H) approximating 335, 670, and 1340 kg of N ha−1 yr−1, respectively, were evaluated for 11 yr beginning in 1973 through 1983. The experiment was a randomized complete block with three replicates. Dry matter yields in Year 11 were altered by effluent loading rates with greater production from the M (19.0 Mg ha−1) or H (19.6 Mg ha−1) compared with the L (13.1 Mg ha−1). Although fluxes in stands occurred, they recovered completely as indicated by these yields. Higher concentrations of N, P, K, Mg, Cl, and Zn were present in forage in 1983 compared with 1973. Calcium was unchanged and Cu, Fe, and Na were less. In vitro dry matter disappearance of the forage was similar among loading rates (0.634) in 1983 and greater than in 1973 (0.553). Concentrations of NO3‐N were higher in 1978 (1.14 g kg−1) compared with 1973 (0.87 g kg−1), but highest concentrations occurred in 1983 (1.57 g kg−1). By 1983, NO3‐N concentrations of forages from the H loading rate approached or exceeded the toxic threshold in all summer harvests. Only the H loading (1340 kg ha−1) caused unstable stands and eventually produced forage that had NO3‐N concentrations potentially toxic if fed as the sole ration to ruminants. Further, it resulted in disproportionally greater quantities of elements—especially N, P, K, Cl, and Na—that remained in the soil environment to become potential soil and soil‐water pollutants.

Swine Manure and Lagoon Effluent Applied to a Temperate Forage Mixture: I. Persistence, Yield, Quality, and Elemental Removal

AbstractSwine (Sus scrofa domesticus) waste can be a nutrient source for crops when applied as a manure slurry or lagoon effluent. Limited land area for disposal may result in high application rates. Yet rates must be controlled to ensure stand persistence if perennial crops are grown and if groundwater quality (NO3 concentrations) are to be considered. Also, safe concentration of elements in the resulting forage must be assured if used for animal feed. A 4‐yr study was conducted to determine the effect of applying swine waste as manure slurry or lagoon effluent on persistence of a temperate forage mixture of predominantly tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Treatments were: a commercial N‐P‐K fertilizer (F), consisting of 201 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (67 kg ha−1 in three applications) and 34 and 65 kg ha−1 of P and K, respectively; 670 kg of N ha−1 yr− as a swine manure slurry (M); and supplying approximately 600 (E1) and 1200 (E2) kg of N ha−1 from swine lagoon effluent. Subtropical grasses invaded all treatments by the third year but the E2 treatment had greatest infestation averaging 53% of the dry matter and tall fescue averaging only 39%. Dry matter yields were similar between F and M treatments averaging 7750 kg ha−1 yr−1 while applying N as effluent (E1) increased yields 3430 kg ha−1 above M. Doubling the N loading rate (E2 vs. E1) did not increase yields (P ≤0.05). Concentrations of the 11 elements analyzed (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Na) showed a treatment × year interaction. Forage Zn was consistently increased by M treatment compared with F or E1 treatments and forage Cu was elevated by M treatment the last 2 yr of the study. In vitro dry matter disappearance was similar (670–685 g kg−1) among all treatments, but forage NO3‐N concentration from the E1 and E2 treatments, and after the second year for the M treatment, was considered unsafe for ruminants (&gt; 700 mg NO3‐N kg−1). The M, E1, and E2 treatments added large quantities of elements (N, P, K, Ca, Na, and Cl) that were not removed in the forage.

Swine Manure and Lagoon Effluent Applied to a Temperate Forage Mixture: II. Rainfall Runoff and Soil Chemical Properties

AbstractRates of swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) waste used for crop production must be sufficient to supply adequate nutrients but must not pose a surface or groundwater pollution hazard. To determine acceptable rates, plots of predominantly tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L. Schreb) on a Cecil soil (Typic Hapludults) received no treatment (C); commercial fertilizer (F) at 201‐34‐65 kg N‐P‐K ha−1 yr−1, swine manure slurry (M) supplying 670 kg N ha−1 yr−1, or swine lagoon effluent (E) applied by sprinkler irrigation to supply 600 (E1) or 1200 (E2) kg N ha−1 yr−1 for 4 yr. The waste treatments, chosen to evaluate acceptable maximum application rates when land is limited, resulted in much higher applications of N, P, K, and other nutrients than are normally used for temperate species. Runoff from E2 had an annual mean concentration of 13 mg L−1 NO3‐N but the low runoff volume resulted in mass transport of only about 10 kg NO3‐N ha−1 yr−1. Concentration of P was significantly higher with E2 (9 mg L−1) and M (6 mg L−1) than with the other treatments. The runoff quality from E1 was not significantly different than that from F. Soil NO3‐N concentrations to a depth of 200 cm showed significant differences in the order E2 = M &gt; E1 &gt; F = C. For E2, 49% of the applied N could not be accounted for by crop removal, increased soil NO3‐N, or runoff. Mehlich 1 extractable P was greater with E2 than with the other treatments. Extractable soil K and Na were increased by E1 and E2 but treatments had little or no effect on extractable Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, or on total N, organic matter, or pH. Analysis of runoff and soil NO3‐N data indicate that M, E2, and perhaps E1 supplied excess N. Consequently, surface and groundwater pollution hazards may be created by applying manure and effluent at the rates studied. Pollution by runoff was more likely when rainfall occurred soon after manure or fertilizer application.

Swine Lagoon Effluent Applied to ‘Coastal’ Bermudagrass: III. Irrigation and Rainfall Runoff

AbstractIn moisture excess regions, irrigation of lagoon effluent to land is generally required to prevent water pollution from lagoon overflow. However, the land area receiving lagoon effluent then becomes a potential nonpoint source of pollution, especially if effluent is applied at high rates.The quantity and quality of rainfall runoff were determined for 6 yr from plots of ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] on typical Coastal Plains soils that received weekly irrigations of swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) lagoon effluent during the growing season. Three application rates supplied an average of 335, 670, and 1340 kg N ha−1 yr−1; 90, 180, and 360 kg P ha−1 yr−1; and 200, 400, and 800 kg Cl− ha−1 yr−1.The soil‐crop characteristics promoted high infiltration of rainfall and the plots were not irrigated during the nongrowing season, when runoff is usually highest. Thus, both runoff volume and nutrient mass transport were low, but nutrient concentrations were relatively high compared with typical concentrations in cropland runoff. Average annual arithmetic mean concentrations ranged from 7 to 13 mg L−1 for total N and from 3 to 6 mg L−1 for total P for the three treatments. Treatment differences were usually significant for the high‐rate treatment, but not significant between the low‐ and medium‐rate treatments. For this soil‐crop system, NO3−‐N movement to groundwater and P accumulation in the soil for the high‐ and medium‐rate treatments would likely be of more concern than the pollution of rainfall runoff.

Swine Lagoon Effluent Applied to ‘Coastal’ Bermudagrass: II. Effects on Soil

AbstractEffluent from animal waste lagoons can degrade water quality if allowed to discharge into surface waters. To determine the feasibility of using swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) lagoon effluent as a source of water and nutrients for crop production, effluent was applied via sprinkler irrigation to ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] on Norfolk and Wagram soils (Paleudults) at rates to supply 335, 670, and 1340 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for 6 yr. Soil nitrate concentrations to a depth of 300 cm showed significant differences in the order high &gt; medium = low rate. At the high rate, 56% of the applied N could not be accounted for by crop removal or increased N content of the soil to a depth of 210 cm. Evidence of P movement to a depth of 60 cm was obtained. Calcium and Mg concentrations in the topsoil were reduced due to relatively high rates of application of Na+, K+, and NH4+. Soil pH was correspondingly reduced. Soil nitrate data suggest that groundwater pollution by nitrate would result from the high rate and possibly from the medium rate.

Swine Lagoon Effluent Applied to ‘Coastal’ Bermudagrass: I. Forage Yield, Quality, and Element Removal

AbstractSwine (Sus scrofa domesticus) production in confinement requires economical and environmentally safe waste management systems. Anaerobic lagoons require periodic removal of effluent for land application to avoid lagoon overflow in humid regions. The objective of this experiment was to determine the utilization potential and the environmental effects of applying swine lagoon effluent to ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]. Effluent loading rates to apply approximately 335, 670, and 1340 kg of N ha−1 yr−1 were evaluated. The experiment was a randomized complete block with three replications and was conducted for 6 yr on a loamy, siliceous, thermic Arenic Paleudult (two replications) or a fine‐loamy, siliceous thermic Typic Paleudult (one replication). The highest application rate resulted in additions of N, P, and K at about 4, 10, and 8 times, respectively, the normally recommended fertilizer applications for high yields of bermudagrass hay.Effluent loading rates altered dry matter yields with the high and medium rates being similar (15 800 and 14 200 kg ha−1) but greater than the low rate (10 800 kg ha−1). Severe winters injured stands most on the medium and high loading rates and were associated with soil characteristics. Concentrations of P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn were increased in forage by increased effluent loading rates, while Cl−, Cu, Fe, and Na varied. Effluent loading rates significantly increased in vitro dry matter disappearance 3 of the 6 yr and N concentrations all years, especially from the low to medium loading rates (quadratic effect). High applications of effluent greatly increased the concentration of nitrates in the forage to levels that approached, but did not exceed, concentrations unsafe for ruminants. The medium and high rates resulted in large additions of elements not recovered in the forage and could have environmental implications as to effects on the soil, groundwater, and surface runoff.

Subsurface Drainage Water Quality from Land Application of Swine Lagoon Effluent

ABSTRACT WATER quality was monitored for subsurface drainage from small plots receiving 325, 650 and 1300 kg N/ha/yr from sprinkler-irrigated swine-lagoon effluent. Subsurface flow volumes and nutrient concentrations are reported for 20 months at the end of a 6-yr treatment period. Nutrient mass balances for nitrogen and phosphorus which include uptake by Coastal bermudagrass, soil accumulation, surface runoff, subsurface drainage and an estimate of nutrients leaching below the root zone are reported.

Irrigation of Swine Lagoon Effluent onto Pine and Hardwood Forests

ABSTRACT LAGOONS are a popular method for treatment and storage of swine manure. The lagoons are designed as no-discharge systems because the effluent is not of a quality where it can be discharged to surface waters. Any overflow from these lagoons must be disposed of or utilized on the land. The most typical method of disposal has been application onto cropland or pastureland (Humenik et al., 1975) (Cummings et al., 1975) (Quisenberry et al., 1980) (Westerman et al., 1983). Another possibility for a disposal/utilization area is forest land. Much work has been done in using forestland for disposing of municipal wastewaters (Sopper and Kardos, 1973) (Sopper and Kehr, 1979). There will be accumulation of P, Mn, Na and Mg in the top 25 cm of soils receiving municipal wastewater (Kardos and Sopper, 1973a). The pH will also be increased slightly. Nitrates will move down through the soil profile and enter the groundwater (Kardos and Sopper, 1973b). Tree growth will increase with irrigation but specific gravity will decrease (Murphy et al., 1971). Little research has been completed on the application of animal wastes onto forestland. Computer literature searches done in 1983 showed two citations from the National Agricultural Library, three from the Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau and one from CRIS related to animal wastes applied to forestland. In South Carolina over 60% of the land (about 5 million ha is in forests and much of this is or can be used to produce a harvestable quantity of trees. If the tree growth can be enhanced economically it would benefit the owners of the forestland. A solid set irrigation system can be used in the forest because there is no need to move or dismantle the system on a year-to-year basis. This research was undertaken to meet the following objectives: 1. To determine the growth response of a loblolly pine plantation and a mixed hardwood stand to the application of swine lagoon effluent. 2. To determine the capacity of the forest soil to assimilate the organic matter and nutrients of the swine lagoon effluent.

Phosphorus Adsorption‐Desorption Characteristics of Two Soils Utilized for Disposal of Animal Wastes

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of animal waste loading rates on P adsorption‐desorption characteristics of two soils. In a laboratory incubation study, Norfolk soil was treated with beef, poultry, or swine wastes; and allowed to decompose under optimum moisture conditions for a period of 30 days. Phosphorus adsorption‐desorption characteristics of the soil were measured at the end of the incubation period. Application of beef, poultry, and swine wastes to a Norfolk soil decreased adsorption capacity of the soil and increased soluble P (in 0.01M CaCl2), acid‐extractable P (0.05N HCl + 0.025N H2SO4), equilibrium P concentration (EPC), and P desorption (after four 1‐hour extractions).In a field study, increased rates of swine lagoon effluent application over a period of 5 years to a Norfolk soil (Site 1) and for 3 years to a Cecil soil (Site 2) also increased soluble P (in 0.01M CaCl2), acid extractable P, P desorbed, and EPC values, and decreased the adsorption capacity. At high loading rates of swine lagoon effluent, soluble P movement occurred to a depth of 75 and 30 cm at Site 1 and 2, respectively. Phosphorus adsorption increased with depth, and EPC values decreased with increasing depths of soil profile. A significant relationship was observed between EPC values, and soluble and acid extractable P.