New Computer Program Helps Farmers Manage Manure

Posted in: Environment by admin on January 1, 1999 | No Comments

A new computerized decision-making system for manure management on the farm, developed by University of Guelph researchers, is designed to save money and protect the environment. MCLONE4 is a software package for farmers and consultants, that evaluates cost, labour, odour , nutrients and environment to rate agricultural manure systems. It calculates environmental risks, and makes manure application recommendations and calculations designed for Ontario farms. The program includes extensive on-line help and advice on how to use the program and interpret results. MCLONE4is unique in dealing with more than just manure nutrient management as it covers economics and environmental risk. a

Direct Measurements of Methane Emissions from Grazing and Feedlot Cattle

Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments

Air concentrations of volatile organic acids in confined animal buildingsa

Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments

Effects on Chemical Amendments on the Gaseous Emsissions from Swine Manure

Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments

Three chemical emendments aluminum sulfate (alum), alluminum chloride (ACl3) and Ferric Chloride (FeCl3) were tested to exmaine their impact on carbon doioxide, methane, ammonia and H2S levels. All treatments were added as a rate of 10% by volume to the pits, and each treatment was measured for TKN, COD, NO3-N, NH3-N and pH. Raw manure and alum treatment were shown to have significant TKN differences, attributabel to organic matter differences between the samples, otherwise no significant differnces occurred between the samples. Ammonia was significantly reduced by both aluminum treatments, but not by FeCl3.. Ammoina levels were also found to be very periodic with the maximum level achieved approximately 4 hours after stirring occurred. Carbon dioxide concentration followed a similar pattern to that of ammonia, indicating stirring increase the CO2 level 2-3 times. Methane levels were indicative of anaerobic digestion of organic matter as indicated by the high COD levels. Some spikinh in H2S emissions occurred within the first four hours in the raw manure and FeCl3 treatments, however after this time raw manure and FeCl3 treatmetns were similar for all treatments. Spiking appears to be common, which is due to the H2S levels were relatiive to the detection levels. Methane and H2S concentrations in emissions did not exhibit any stirring effect. In summary, the chemical amendments produced very little significant impact on swine manure.

A Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan Workshop for Illinois Livestock Producers

Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments

In May 1997 the Illinois Livestock Management Facilities act became effective. The act served to address specific concerns people had about large-scale livestock operations. The major compoents of the act adopted rules for: design standards for manure storage, setback back distances for new construction, facility operator education and waste management plans. The purpose of the nutrient management plans was “to provide for adequate land area for proper application of livestock waste at rates not to exceed the agronomic nitorgen demans of the crops to be grown when averaged for a fiver year period.” Comprehensive management plans are required for operation with 1,000 – 6,999 animal units to be updated and held on site for a three year period. Operations greater than 7,000 animal units must have department approved plans before it begins operating.

The University of Illinois extension developed a manual containing froms, checklists, regulations, resources and formulas for producers to develop their own comprehensive nutrient management plan. Workshops were targeted to livestock producers and included other topics such as best management practices for being a good neighbour and developing an emergency contingency plan. As a result of the workshop 95.5% of the respondent made changes, or incorporated manure nutrient plans and 54.4% of the respondents took action to minimize emergencies.

Development of an In-line Nutrient Sensing System for Livestock Slurries

Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments

Nutrient Management Procedures to Enhance Environmental Conditions: An Introduction

Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments

Hog production has not significantly changed in the United States over the past 50 years. However, large increases in the size of individual operations, or increased concentration of hog production have created new challenges for the industry. Nutrient management procedures have been very well documented in their ability to minimizae environmental impact associated with intensive hog production.

One way to minimize the nutrient impact of hog production is legislation. Dutch legislation focuses on nitrogen and phosphorus production per animal unit, therefore the number of animal units is limited by the amount of manure that can be applied on the cropland. Research projects in the Netherlands have shown the most substantial reduction of manure impact on the environment to be nutritional approaches. Water quality and odour complaints are two majoe sources of complaints of intensive livestock operations. Lagoons can be built that have a very low failure rate can ensure no grundwater seepage. Re-examining lagoon loading rates established in the 1980’s for 600 -1000 animal unit operations do not properly reflect the size of today’s operations (6,000-10,000), and therefore do not prevent odours as much as they think. Mnaure nutrient management plans can have a very benefital impact on the environment. The proper timing of application, frequency and volume on cropland must coninside with nutrient utilization by crops. New, more intensive ho goperations also have a designated team devoted to the operation and management of manure handling systems. These offer suggestions for reducing the environmental impact of intesnive ho operations,and provide a framework for future efforts to enhance environmental conditions.

British System Composts and Separates Hog Manure Solids

Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments

The Kyoto Protocol: A Guide And Assessment. – Review

Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments

The Kyoto Protocol is the most substantial international development in climate politics since the signing of the original United Nations convention in 1992. Short commentaries on the Kyoto Protocol abound, but this is the book-length treatment that will be the definitive guide for years to come. In addition to covering the background and negotiations that produced the protocol, the book gives an enormously detailed account of the various innovations made by negotiators at Kyoto. Thus, there is substantial discussion of the Clean Development Mechanism, joint implementation, and the specific emissions reduction targets adopted at Kyoto. The book also discusses the political dynamics of the negotiations and the political forces that are likely to influence the future of the climate change regime. While the authors’ attempts to place this in the context of globalization are a little simplistic, the focus on the realpolitik of interstate bargaining on climate change is a useful addition to the great technical det ail contained in this book. It is an enormously valuable resource for students of environmental politics.

The effect of nitrogen management in agricultural production on water and air quality: evaluation on a regional scale

Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments