Crusting of stored dairy slurry as an abatement measure for ammonia emissions: pilot-scale studies

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Misselbrook, T. H., Brookman, S. K. E., Smith, K. A., Cumby, T. R., Williams, A. G. and McCrory, D. F. 2005. Crusting of stored dairy slurry as an abatement measure for ammonia emissions: pilot-scale studies. Journal of Environmental Quality. 34 (2), pp. 411-419. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2005.0411dup

AuthorsMisselbrook, T. H., Brookman, S. K. E., Smith, K. A., Cumby, T. R., Williams, A. G. and McCrory, D. F.
Abstract

Storage of cattle slurry is a significant source of ammonia (NH3) emissions. Emissions can be reduced by covering slurry stores, but this can incur significant costs, as well as practical and technical difficulties. In this pilot-scale study, slurry was stored in small tanks (500 L) and the effectiveness of natural crust development for reducing NH3 emissions was assessed in a series of experiments. Also, factors important in crust development were investigated. Measurements were made of crust thickness and specially adapted tank lids were used to measure NH3 emissions. Slurry dry matter (DM) content was the most important factor influencing crust formation, with no crust formation on slurries with a DM content of <1%. Generally, crusts began to form within the first 10 to 20 d of storage, at which time NH3 emission rates would decrease. The formation of a natural crust reduced NH3 emissions by approximately 50%. The type of bedding used in the free stall barn did not influence crust formation, nor did ambient temperature or air-flow rate across the slurry surface. There was a large difference in crust formation between slurries from cattle fed a corn (Zea mays L.) silage-based diet and those fed a grass silage-based diet, although dietary differences were confounded with bedding differences. The inclusion of a corn starch and glucose additive promoted crust formation and reduced NH3 emission. The maintenance of a manageable crust on cattle slurry stores is recommended as a cost-effective means of abating NH3 emissions from this phase of slurry management.

Year of Publication2005
JournalJournal of Environmental Quality
Journal citation34 (2), pp. 411-419
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2005.0411dup
PubMed ID15758092
Open accessPublished as non-open access
FunderDepartment of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Funder project or codeManures and Farm Resources (MFR)
Project: 24605158
Project: WA 0714
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
PrintMar 2005
Copyright licensePublisher copyright
ISSN0047-2425
PublisherAmerican Society of Agronomy (ASA)

Permalink - https://repository.rothamsted.ac.uk/item/859ww/crusting-of-stored-dairy-slurry-as-an-abatement-measure-for-ammonia-emissions-pilot-scale-studies

Restricted files

Publisher's version

Under embargo indefinitely

216 total views
2 total downloads
0 views this month
0 downloads this month