EPA-600/2-76-188
September 1976
Environmental Protection Technology Series
ANIMAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE
NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ada, Oklahoma 74820
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into five series. These five broad
categories were established to facilitate further development and application of
environmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The five series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
This report has been assigned to the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
TECHNOLOGY series. This series describes research performed to develop and
demonstrate instrumentation, equipment, and methodology to repair or prevent
environmental degradation from point and non-point sources of pollution. This
work provides the new or improved technology required for the control and
treatment of pollution sources to meet environmental quality standards.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/2-76-188
September 1976
ANIMAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
IN THE
NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS
by
Maurice L. Horton
John L. Wiersma
James L. Halbeisen
Water Resources Institute
South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota 57006
Grant Number S-802532
Project Officer
Douglas Kreis
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Ada, Oklahoma 74820
ROBERT S. KERR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
ADA, OKLAHOMA 74820
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research
Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publica-
tion. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the
views and policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does
mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.
ii
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ABSTRACT
The effect of salt level of the ration for beef steers upon salinity
of the waste and the effects of the applied waste upon the soil and
upon crop production was investigated. In addition, the study was
conducted in both covered and open feedlot pens to study the effect
of shelter in a northern climate upon animal performance and waste
characteristics.
The field portion of the study included four rates of waste up to
179 MT/ha. applied to plots 0.02 ha. in size. Detailed soil analyses
were made which included salinity, nutrients, cations, and the dis-
persion hazard as indicated by the level of exchangeable sodium.
The levels of salt used in the ration appeared to have little or no
effect on animal performance; however, the salinity and sodium levels
of the waste were directly affected. The salinity level of the sur-
face 30 cm of soil where high rates of waste were applied was suf-
ficiently high to affect the growth of corn. The lack of leaching
water caused a maximum effect of the applied waste in the surface layer.
This report was submitted in fulfillment of Grant Number S-802532
by the Water Resources Institute, South Dakota State University,
Brookings, South Dakota, under the partial sponsorship of the Environ-
mental Protection Agency. Work was completed as of December, 1974.
iii
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CONTENTS
Sections Page
I Conclusions 1
II Recommendations 3
III Introduction 4
IV Facilities !0
V Climatic Data and Animal Environment 12
VI Materials and Methods 19
VII Results and Discussion 31
VIII Literature Cited 52
IX Glossary of Abbreviations and Symbols 55
X Appendix 57
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LIST OF FIGURES
Number Page
1 Feedlot facilities 11
2 Temperature variation in open and covered 18
pens
3 Waste incorporation and plot preparation 21
4 Field plots showing relative elevations 23
5 Soils map of plot area 24
6 Soil sampling 27
7 Field installation for runoff 30
vi
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LIST OF TABLES
Number Page
1 Temperature and precipitation records 13
for the Southeast South Dakota
Experiment Farm
2 Monthly precipitation summary for the 17
Southeast South Dakota Experiment Farm
during the period October 1973 through
September 197A
3 Detailed profile description of the Egan 25
silty clay loam soil
4 Animal performance 32
5 Dry matter waste production 33
6 Waste analyses 34
7 Waste rates from the low NaCl ration 35
applied to field plots
8 Waste rates from the high NaCl ration 36
applied to field plots
9 Bacteriological characteristics of beef 37
waste
10 Leaf analyses of corn plants harvested 38
at silking from plots receiving the
indicated amounts of waste
11 Yield of ear corn and silage from plots 39
receiving four rates of applied beef
waste
12 Soil analyses: Chlorides, electrical 40
conductivity and pH
13 Soil analyses: Nitrogen and phosphorus 41
vii
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Number Page
14 Soil analyses for plots receiving the 42
indicated amounts of waste
15 Analysis of variance for exchangeable 43
Na in soil
16 The mean values for exchangeable Na 44
(meq/lOOg) for the main effects and
interactions which are significant
17 Equations developed for exchangeable Na 45
from the multiple regression analysis
and significance of the equations
18 Analysis of variance results for exchange- 46
able K in soil
19 The mean values for exchangeable K (meq/lOOg) 47
for the main effects which are signifi-
cant at the .01 level
20 Equations developed for exchangeable K 48
from the multiple regression analysis
and significance of the equations
21 Analysis of variance results for EC in 49
soil
22 The mean values for EC (pmhos/cm) for 50
the main effects and interactions which
are significant
23 The equations developed for EC from the 50
multiple regression analysis and sig-
nificance of the equations
viii
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This study was made possible through the assistance and cooperation
of a number of individuals and departments. The services of the South
Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station through the Departments of
Agricultural Engineering, Animal Science, Microbiology, and Plant
Science are gratefully acknowledged. The services of the staff of
the Southeast South Dakota Experiment Farm were essential and greatly
appreciated. The assistance of the Environmental Protection Agency
is gratefully acknowledged.
The dedicated services of the following individuals are acknowledged
with sincere thanks:
Ron Beyer — Agricultural engineer with the Water Resources Institute.
Albert Dittman — Research associate with the Agricultural Engineering
Department who made a major contribution to the project.
Delwyn Dearborn — Dean of the College of Agriculture and Biological
Sciences, who was Head of the Animal Science Department when the
project was initiated.
Douglas Kreis — Ecologist with the Environmental Protection Agency
and Project Officer for this project.
Richard Luther — Professor of Animal Science and Research Manager
of the Experiment Farm during the first year of the project.
Paul Middaugh — Professor of Microbiology in charge of bacteriological
analyses.
Shirley Mittan — Technician in charge of Water Quality Laboratory
analyses.
Dan Ronning — Student and technician in Animal Science.
Fred Shubeck — Research Manager of the Southeast Experiment Farm.
William Schneider — Extension beef nutritionist in charge of ration
formulation and livestock performance.
Alan Vogel — Animal scientist with the Southeast Experiment Farm.
In addition to the above individuals, the assistance of secretaries,
part-time labor employees, and student employees is gratefully ac-
knowledged .
ix
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SECTION I
CONCLUSIONS
1. The amount of sodium (Na) in waste from steers fed a common ration,
except for the amount of salt (NaCl) added to the ration, varied
directly with the level of added salt. Steers receiving no added
NaCl produced waste with a Na content of 0.3% to 0.5%, while steers
receiving a ration with 0.75% added NaCl produced wastes containing
1.2% to 1.6% Na on a dry weight basis.
2. The amount of wastes produced by beef steers will vary from feedlot
to feedlot depending upon the composition of the ration, feed intake,
weather, and management variables. During one feeding cycle, steers
on a high roughage (corn silage) ration produced an average of
2.65 kg of dry waste per head per day. The same steers on a high
concentrate (corn grain) ration produced only 1.79 kg of waste per
head per day. These values are less than was expected for compa-
rable size steers.
3. Steers fed a ration containing no added salt (NaCl) up to a level
of 0.75% of the ration on a dry weight basis showed little or no
difference in rate of gain or feed efficiency.
4. During two separate feeding periods, beef steers in open pens gave
slightly higher daily rates of gain (0.08 kg/day) than similar
steers housed in covered pens. During periods of extreme cold
and inclement weather, rates of gain and feed efficiencies of
cattle in both open and covered pens were drastically reduced.
The chemical and physical properties of waste was comparable for
open and covered pens except for the water content which varied
with weather conditions.
5. Many of the soils of the Northern Great Plains contain large quan-
tities of salts and high levels of salinity within the profile.
Where the depth of leaching is shallow (30 to 60 cm), addition
of large quantities of animal waste that contain appreciable
quantities of salt will further limit the productivity of these
soils. During 1974, salts in waste applied to field plots remained
in the 0- to 30-cm layer and increased the salinity level, as
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indicated by electrical conductivity (EC), to values in excess
of 5,000 ymhos/cm. These values exceed the salt tolerance levels
for proper germination and growth of many common agronomic plants.
6. Chemical analyses of corn leaf samples taken from waste disposal
plots showed an increase in total N and a decrease in Mg with
increased rates of applied waste.
7. Precipitation amounts and patterns were such that no runoff occurred
from the field plots during the course of the study.
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SECTION II
RECOMMENDATIONS
The combination of soils and climate found in the Northern Great Plains
presents a number of problems in animal waste management. The high
natural levels of salinity combined with small quantities of leaching
water may well establish a limit on applied waste based on the increase
in salinity which can be tolerated.
Recognizing that one year of data on soil effects and crop response
due to applied waste is a limited data base from which to make recom-
mendations, the following suggestions are offered:
1. The addition of salt (NaCl) to the ration for beef steers should
be kept at a minimum in order to reduce the soil dispersion and
salinity hazard due to the applied waste. The addition of 0.25%
NaCl to the ration on a dry weight basis appears adequate under
most circumstances.
2. Housing for cattle in feedlots in the Northern Great Plains may
be of questionable value in improving performance except for the
purpose of keeping the cattle dry.
3. The salinity and dispersion hazard of animal waste applied to high
clay soils receiving a minimum of leaching water should be con-
tinually monitored to prevent damage to crop production land.
It is recommended that additional detailed investigation of the
salinity buildup, soil dispersion, crop production, and runoff
characteristics under several rates of applied waste be continued.
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SECTION III
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT
The climate and soils of the Northern Great Plains present some unique
problems to the livestock feeder who uses the land for waste disposal.
The importance of housing to protect the animals from the cold or to
improve animal performance and disposal of the wastes are areas of con-
cern. The nature of the soils — large amounts of clay and large quan-
tities of salts — together with a variable but low quantity of leaching
water raises questions regarding waste application rates which can be
tolerated on crop production land. Concentration of waste components
at or near the soil surface increases the pollution potential due to
surface runoff or erosion.
The climate, soils, and feedlots of South Dakota exhibit a good cross
section of the waste management problems of the Northern Great Plains.
In an attempt to develop solutions to the waste management problems,
a project was initiated at the Cornbelt Research and Extension Center
near Beresford, South Dakota.
The purpose of the project was to develop guidelines relating climate,
waste, soils, and crops to assist livestock feeders in cold regions
in developing waste management techniques that are environmentally
acceptable while retaining crop production capabilities.
The specific objectives of the project were:
1. Evaluate the effects of roughage content and salt content of the
ration upon amount and composition of wastes from beef cattle in
confined feedlots.
2. Evaluate the influence of covered versus open pens upon the chem-
ical and physical properties of wastes to be removed from the pens.
3. Determine the maximum application rates for disposal of wastes
on the land compatible with maintaining reasonable levels of crop
production with pollution control.
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4. Determine the concentration and movement of chemical and bacte-
riological waste components by surface runoff or leaching through
the soil under the prevailing climatic conditions.
GENERAL BACKGROUND
Various authors have studied differing feedlot conditions in an attempt
to establish those conditions which affect the chemical characteristics
of beef cattle waste. Gilbertson, McCalla, Ellis, and Woods (1971)
have examined feedlot slope and animal densities in relation to the
chemical characteristics of the waste concluding that these two factors
have no definite relationship with the quality of the waste. Yet, these
studies have suggested that climatic conditions influenced the vari-
ability of the chemical characteristics of beef cattle waste. Frye
et al. (1972) have found that the grams of NaCl fed per day per head
of beef cattle directly influence the relative salinity of the feedlot
waste and runoff water. They have shown that the relative salinity
of the runoff water was almost linearly related to the grams of NaCl
in the beef cattle ration. Research has indicated that the chemical
analyses of beef cattle waste varies considerably from feedlot to feed-
lot and the characteristics are unique for each feedlot. This uniqueness
indicates that a chemical analysis is needed to characterize the beef
cattle waste of any given feedlot.
According to Martin (1970), 85% of the ingested K appears in the beef
cattle waste; therefore, a large application of beef cattle waste to
the soil adds a large quantity of K which may disturb the nutrient
balance in the soil and eventually affect the crops grown on the soil.
When K is present in the soil in excessive amounts, plants may consume
more K than is needed for normal growth (luxury consumption). The K
to Mg ratio of forages grown on soils is important due to hypomagnesemia
(grass tetany). Beef cattle receiving forage high in K and low in Mg
may develop hypomagnesemia which causes death to the animal.
Vitosh, Davis, and Knezek (1972) harvested corn silage which contained
a K to Mg ratio capable of causing hypomagnesemia. The corn silage
was grown on soil receiving beef cattle waste for nine consecutive
years at 67.2 MT/ha. (20 t/a.) (wet weight basis with the last year's
waste containing 70% water). Vitosh et al. (1972) suggested that forage
grown on soils receiving large amounts of beef cattle may have a large
enough K to Mg ratio to warrant an addition of Mg to the feed if this
forage is fed to beef or dairy animals.
The Relationship of Applied Beef Cattle Waste to Salt and Sodium Content
The cations Ca, Mg, Na, and K and the salts of these cations are the
most abundant in beef cattle waste and the most important in affecting
salinity and dispersion of soil. Soil salinity is affected by the salts
which are added by waste. Soil colloids are influenced by the relative
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amounts of Ca, Mg, Na, and K added by the waste. In turn, the amount
of salt and cation proportions in the waste are influenced by the con-
tents of the forage used in the ration, by the feed supplements, and
by any extra salt added to the feed.
The early literature of Salter and Schollenberger (1939) reported
that salt fed to beef animals appears in their wastes in sufficient
quantities at times to injure the quality of potatoes grown on land
receiving large quantities of the waste. They attributed the bulk
of the injury to the chloride in the waste.
To monitor soil salinity as affected by beef cattle waste application,
Murphy et al. (1972); Mathers et al. (1972); Evans, Goodrich and Munter
(1972); and Reddell, Egg, and Smith (1974) have used EC of the saturated
soil extract; while Evans et al. (1972) and Reddell et al. (1974) have
also examined chloride content in the soil.
Mathers et al. (1972) measured EC to a depth of 91.4 cm (36.0 in.) in
the soil after three annual beef cattle waste applications at varying
rates. The increase in the soil's EC was directly related to the amount
of beef waste applied to the soil. The increase in EC was found to
be greater at the soil surface than at the 91.4-cm (36.0 in.) depth;
although, a waste rate of 123.2 MT/ha. (55 t/a.) (dry weight basis)
per year increased the EC slightly at the 91.4-cm (36.0 in.) depth.
A linear relationship was established by Murphy et al. (1972) between
surface soil EC and the amount of waste applied to that soil. As soon
as waste application was discontinued, soil EC was reduced by nutrient
removal through actively growing plants and by continued leaching of
salts into lower portions of the soil profile.
After only one beef cattle waste application of 70.2 MT/ha. (31.3 t/a.)
(dry weight basis), Evans et al. (1972) found only a small increase
(200 pmhos/cm) in EC for the top 15 cm (5.9 in.) of the soil profile.
Evans et al. (1972) also examined the chloride content in the soil
profile after this waste application finding an increase in chloride
concentration at all soil depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, 30-61 cm, 61-91 cm,
and 91-122 cm) (0-5.9 in., 5.9-11.8 in., 11.8-24 in., 24-36 in., and
36-48 in.) with the largest increase (14 ppm to 155 ppm chloride)
occurring at the 61 to 91-cm (24-36 in.) depth.
A direct relationship was also shown by Reddell et al. (1974) between
the EC of the saturated soil extract of surface soil and the rate of
applied beef cattle waste. The EC increased in the surface soil imme-
diately after beef cattle waste application and decreased once the annual
applications were discontinued. The chloride concentration increased
in the entire soil profile after application of waste and dissipated
gradually once waste application was stopped.
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With the possibility of Na or K at high concentrations dispersing
soil colloids, Na and K have been examined in relation to reduced
plant growth on soils that have received large applications of beef
cattle waste. Both water soluble and exchangeable Na or water soluble
and exchangeable K are used to monitor the accumulation of either Na
or K in soil after heavy waste applications.
Reddell et al. (1974) have shown that water soluble Na and K increase
directly in the top 30 cm (11.8 in.) of soil with the amount of beef
cattle waste application. Murphy et al. (1972) have demonstrated the
same relationship for both extractable Na and exchangeable K.
Cross, Mazurak, and Chesin (1971) used soil columns to study soil
hydraulic conductivity as affected by the application of beef cattle
wastes. The leachate collected from columns contained increasing
amounts of Na and K as the waste application was increased. Cross
et al. (1971) concluded that the amounts of Na and K added in the beef
cattle waste when applied to soil caused dispersion of colloids which
reduced the soil's hydraulic conductivity.
The ratio of Na to Ca and Mg in beef cattle waste has been suggested
by Mathers et al. (1972) as being a critical property when waste is
applied to the soil. Dispersion hazard ratios which are found by
dividing the relative weight of Na and K in beef cattle waste by the
relative weight of Na, K, Ca, and Mg in that same waste have been pub-
lished by Powers et al. (1974). Dispersion ratios can be useful as
guidelines in monitoring the effect of waste applied to soil.
The investigators listed in the above discussion have measured various
chemical properties of the soil to monitor an increase in soil salinity
or a change in exchangeable bases which may cause soil dispersion.
Scientists generally agree that dispersion reduces plant growth by
disturbing the air and water relations of the soil profile. However,
reduced plant growth on saline soils has remained a subject of serious
debate among scientists. Some authors have suggested that increased
osmotic pressures caused by the salts in the soil prohibit adequate
water uptake by the plant. Other authors have suggested that plants
grown on saline soils are subjected to nutrient imbalances which reduce
plant growth by forcing the plant to absorb an excessive amount of
improper nutrients.
The stage of plant growth at which saline soils are most injurious
depends on the plant species. Ayers and Hayward (1948) found corn
to be less susceptible to soil salinity at germination than barley
or sugar beets; however, as plant growth continues corn shows less
tolerance to saline soils than barley or sugar beets.
Beef Cattle Waste Application Rates on the Soil
Waste application studies are conducted to arrive at an application
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rate which will permit crop growth without causing either excessive
nutrient accumulation in the soil or soil damage. This section lists
the beef cattle waste application rates suggested by various authors.
Although many different units are used in waste management studies,
the rates discussed here will be in units of MT/ha. (t/a.) on a dry
weight basis.
After reviewing the literature, Aldrich (1973) concluded that one-
or two-year applications of 168 to 225 MT/ha. (75 to 100.4 t/a.) of
beef cattle waste seldom causes an adverse effect on yields of corn,
sorghum, or forage grasses.
Evans et al. (1972) reported that an application of 70.2 MT/ha. (31.3 t/a.)
for one year resulted in corn grain yield of 6,502 kg/ha. (5,800 Ib/a.)
for the plot receiving beef cattle waste compared with a check plot
yield of 6,076 kg/ha. (5,420 lb/a.).
According to Cross et al. (1971), for corn under irrigation a beef
cattle waste application of 269 MT/ha. (120 t/a.) for one year increased
corn yields while a higher application of 582 MT/ha. (259.8 t/a.) for
one year decreased corn yields significantly.
The investigations of Reddell et al. (1974) concluded that beef appli-
cation rates of 86.9 and 134.4 MT/ha. (38.8 and 60 t/a.) for three
consecutive years to irrigated crops did not decrease crop yields
or cause damage to the soil.
Mathers and Stewart (1974) recommended 9 MT/ha. (4 t/a.) for a con-
tinued yearly application of beef cattle waste without any nutrient
accumulations in irrigated soils. Any application rate exceeding
9 MT/ha. (4 t/a.) established a nutrient accumulation in the soil.
However, such results are highly dependent upon soil and weather con-
ditions.
Vitosh et al. (1972) recommends a yearly dry-land beef cattle waste
application of between 6 and 18 MT/ha. (2.7 and 8 t/a.) without any
unnecessary nutrient accumulation in the soil. The recommended rate
depends considerably on the soil texture, the weather, and the use
to be made of the crop.
Powers et al. (1974) have completed a comprehensive guide for beef
cattle waste application rates. By using nomograms, the reader can
arrive at the continuous rate which is safe for his particular situa-
tion. The different nomograms represent beef cattle waste application
to irrigated or dry-land soils; soils of fine, medium, or coarse tex-
tures; and soils resulting in medium or low soil salinity.
The literature indicates that the disposal of wastes on soil may change
the chemical properties of the soil enough to alter plant growth. The
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two hazards considered to be closely related to the disposal of wastes
on soil are soil dispersion and soil salinity. Thus, chemical tests
which are directly related to dispersion and salinity are useful for
monitoring the changes in soil chemistry.
Until some more economical use is found for animal wastes, the soil
will continue to be the primary disposal site. In order to protect
the crop production capacity of the soil and to minimize pollution,
regular waste and soil monitoring programs should be established.
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SECTION IV
FACILITIES
The Southeast South Dakota Experiment Farm was selected as the site
to conduct the studies under this project. The farm is located near
Beresford, South Dakota, and is operated by South Dakota State Univer-
sity and the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station.
In addition to a barn and other farm buildings, the farm has a modern
office and laboratory building. The farm has its own weather station
and maintains a complete written record of weather data.
The open feedlot and covered lot facilities were inadequate to handle
this project; therefore, construction and remodeling of facilities
were necessary. The barn was remodeled to handle eight covered pens
with separate feeding and waste collection for each pen. New water
fountains, feed bunks, and feed handling facilities were installed.
A new open pen feedlot consisting of eight concrete-surfaced pens was
constructed. Appropriate alleyways and holding pens were constructed
to permit handling of the cattle during waste cleaning and animal
weighing periods.
Figure 1 is two views of the feedlot showing the open pens and the barn
where the covered pens were located. Although not shown in the photo-
graphs, ventilation panels were installed in the sides and roof of the
barn at the end of the first feeding cycle. The added ventilation
improved the odor and eliminated part of the water vapor buildup
inside the barn.
Other facilities used in this study include the field plot and waste
handling equipment, the Soil Testing Laboratory facilities, the Water
Quality Laboratory facilities, and the Computing and Data Processing
facilities located on the South Dakota State University campus.
10
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Figure 1. Feedlot facilities
11
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SECTION V
CLIMATIC DATA AND ANIMAL ENVIRONMENT
The feedlot and field plots used In this study were located on the
Southeast South Dakota Experiment Farm located in Clay County near
Beresford, South Dakota. The topography of the region is flat to
gently rolling.
THE CLIMATE
The climate of Clay County is classed as sub humid and is of the con-
tinental type with large contrasts in temperature from summer to win-
ter and from day to day.
The maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Train) temperatures and the daily
precipitation (Pptn) are given in Table 1 for each day during the
months of October 1973 through September 1974. The historical highest
and lowest recorded temperatures for each month are also given.
The historical average number of days with temperatures above 0° C is
153. The average date for the 0° C reading in the spring is May 4 and
the first date in the fall is October 5.
A summary of monthly precipitation for the period October 1973 through
September 1974 is given in Table 2. The actual precipitation is com-
pared with the annual average to show a deficit of 18.75 cm during the
period of measurement.
Winds in this region of South Dakota average about 18 km/hr during
the winter with a prevailing direction from the northwest. Winds in
the summer average about 16 km/hr with a prevailing direction from
south-southwest.
This area receives an annual average of 64% of possible sunshine. The
greatest amount of possible sunshine, 75%, is received in July, with
the least amount, 52%, received during December.
The average annual Class A pan evaporation for this region is 137 cm
12
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Table 1. TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION RECORDS FOR
THE SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA EXPERIMENT FARM
Day
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Long-term
weather
record
for the
month
October 1973
Tmax, Train, Pptn,
(°C) <°C) (cm)
20
16
22
16
18
21
22
26
26
25
12
21
16
19
26
19
9
21
23
20
22
24
25
27
22
19
14
6
8
14
11
37
10
7 T
10 T
0
2
6
13
13
17 T
3 1.07
2 0.61
1 0.13
1
3
5
-2
-2
1
2
2
3
7 T
6
7
3 1.19
3
-1
-1 T
-5
-4 T
0
-16
November
Tmax, Train,
<°C) (°C)
11
3
6
3
1
1
5
4
-1
1
6
12
18
19
13
5
5
13
3
8
5
1
8
5
7
4
8
4
4
14
28
-3
-2
-4
-5
-9
-7
-2
-7
-13
-11
-5
-3
4
2
3
-3
-2
-1
-2
-1
-6
-6
-6
-4
-3
-2
-3
-8
-7
-4
-31
1973 December 1973
Pptn, Tmax, Train, Pptn,
(cm) (°C) (°C) (cm)
T 4
0.08 4
3
T -1
-1
-7
-2
7
12
-4
-5
2
4
-4
1.37 -7
0.05 -8
-7
-2
-4
1.07 -11
1.35 -7
-4
4
T -2
-2
T -4
-3
-3
-7
-9
-21
19
-7
-6
-4
-7
-12
-15
-15
—9
-8
-16
-14
-11
-11
-11
-21
-21
-18
-11
-19
-24
-22
-12
-11
-9
-11
-11
-10
-12
-18
-28
-32
-36
T
T
T
T
0.38
0.08
0.03
T
0.28
0.89
0.13
13
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Table 1 Cent. TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION RECORDS FOR
THE SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA EXPERIMENT FARM
Day
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Long-term
weather
record
for the
month
January 1974 February 1974
Tmax, Train, Pptn, Tmax Train, Pptn,
(°C) CO (cm) CO CO (cm)
-21
-14
-12
-11
-9
-13
-14
-14
-14
-17
-14
-20
-14
-7
6
8
10
6
1
2
1
2
2
3
6
9
5
2
6
11
13
19
-35
-33
-25
-22
-26
-23
-30
-28
-33
-33
-29
-32
-28
-20
-12
-9
-3
-3
-15
-13
-6
-7
-12
-12
-12
-4
-9
-9
-8
-4
-17
-39
-8
0.08 -6
-1
-12
-4
0.23 -3
-7
T -4
0.20 -1
3
11
T 15
T 14
-1
-2
4
11
15
7
11
8
0
1
-3
-3
8
14
16
21
-17
-11 T
-18 T
-19
-16
-11
-18 T
-16 T
-17 T
-17
-7
-12
-7
-7 T
-8 T
-11 T
-7
-2
-8
-4
-1 0.10
-10
-9
-17
-15
-11
-4
-4
-36
March 1974
Tmax, Train, Pptn,
CO CO (cm)
5
20
24
12
9
17
18
9
14
11
11
2
10
10
13
1
-1
12
4
4
-6
2
-3
-7
2
12
4
8
14
15
17
33
-6
0
0
— 1
-6
-6
-5
_q
-1
-8
-8
-1
_2
-3
-3
-7
-8
-7
-9
-12
-20
-17
-18
-21
-13
-4
-4
-3
-2
-3
-6
-30
T
0.53
0.38
T
T
T
0.18
1.35
T
T
T
T
14
-------
Table 1 Cont. TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION RECORDS FOR
THE SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA EXPERIMENT FARM
Day
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Long-term
weather
record
for the
month
April 1974
Tmax, Train, Pptn,
(»C) (°C) (cm)
9
16
14
0
7
11
17
11
16
21
20
13
9
11
13
10
16
22
21
24
21
12
13
16
20
26
27
28
24
24
37
0 0.23
-1
-1 0.30
-6 0.20
-7
-5
0
-4
-2 T
0
6
5 0.71
2 0.08
-2
-1 T
-6 T
_i
1
2
4 0.08
6 T
1
5
-3
2
11
12 0.05
8
5
-2
-17
May 1974
Tmax, Train, Pptn,
CO (°C) (cm)
22
26
26
19
22
22
19
23
14
21
14
18
14
16
11
17
23
23
17
22
30
22
21
19
20
23
23
28
28
25
22
41
4
8
-3
3
8
2
3
4
2
6
6
2
1
4
-2
-1
7
8
8
10
14
9
6
2
6
9
12
14
15
10
4
-6
T
T
0.61
T
1.42
1.98
0.05
2.44
T
T
0.05
0.69
T
1.40
T
1.19
T
June 1974
Tmax, Train, Pptn,
CC) CO (cm)
21
21
26
32
31
31
23
24
22
15
22
19
25
28
28
21
21
24
34
33
34
36
26
24
23
26
28
29
32
33
41
7
6
11
16
16
13
8
11
9
8
9
6
12
14
11
6
5
11
13
17
19
15
13
11
11
11
13
16
16
8
2
T
T
1.73
1.35
1.88
0.13
0.48
0.10
2.21
15
-------
Table 1 Cont. TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION RECORDS FOR
THE SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA EXPERIMENT FARM
Day
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Long-term
record
for the
month
July 1974 August 1974 September
Tmax, Train, Pp.tn, Tmax, Tmin, Pptn, Tmax, Train,
(°C) (°C) (cm) (°C) (°C) (cm) (°C) (°C)
31
32
33
26
27
33
35
37
37
29
33
30
38
38
31
31
34
38
37
37
37
37
33
36
36
33
33
31
30
28
29
46
•
16
22
18
13
14
18
18
21
22
19
19
19
20
18
13
14
16
19
21
20
20
16
15
19
15
16
13
13
7
7
12
5
19
27
0.94 22
0.05 23
26
27
27
26
0.56 22
0.05 22
0.86 24
0.10 27
27
0.74 26
31
27
0.15 30
27
32
31
36
26
26
26
0.33 29
T 34
0.69 32
24
25
22
28
44
12
13
7
6
9
9
12
13
16
16
13
13
12
15
16
16
13
11
11
18
17
8
10
12
14
12
10
7
8
8
1
1
1.42 20
0.30 13
T 17
21
25
22
28
31
1.63 31
0.56 28
0.05 32
21
12
25
26
T 24
28
0.91 28
0.43 32
22
0.25 19
21
22
27
27
28
0.69 34
19
16
21
40
2
5
-2
1
6
7
6
9
8
14
10
6
0
3
1
7
9
7
9
5
-2
-1
-2
6
2
3
7
-1
-1
-3
-5
1974
Pptn,
(cm)
0.23
0.23
1.93
T
16
-------
Table 2. MONTHLY PRECIPITATION SUMMARY FOR THE
SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA EXPERIMENT FARM
DURING THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1973 THROUGH
SEPTEMBER 1974
u.
Amount
Month
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
Year
1973
1973
1973
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
received,
(cm)
3.00
3.91
1.78
0.51
0.10
2.44
1.65
9.83
7.87
4.47
6.25
2.38
(in.)
(1.18)
(1.54)
(0.70)
(0.20)
(0.04)
(0.96)
(0.65)
(3.87)
(3.10)
(1.76)
(2.46)
(0.94)
S. Weather Bureau
Average for
the month,
(cm)
3.66
2.41
1.68
1.50
2.41
3.45
5.69
9.07
10.97
7.75
7.54
6.81
(in.)
(1.44)
(0.95)
(0.66)
(0.59)
(0.95)
(1.36)
(2.24)
(3.57)
(4.32)
(3.05)
(2.97)
(2.68)
Amount
received minus
the average,
(cm)
-0.66
1.50
0.10
-0.99
-2.31
-1.01
-4.04
0.76
-3.10
-3.28
-1.29
-4.43
(in.)
(-0.26)
( 0.59)
( 0.04)
(-0.39)
(-0.91)
(-0.40)
(-1.59)
( 0.30)
(-1.22)
(-1.29)
(-0.51)
(-1.74)
Total
44.19 (17.40) 62.94 (24.78) -18.75 (-7.38)
with 78% (107 cm) of the evaporation occurring during the period May
to October.
ANIMAL ENVIRONMENT
In order to compare the environment of the covered pens with the environ-
ment of the pens in the open, a 13-week period of measurement was con-
ducted from January 15, 1974, to April 16, 1974. The temperature of
the open pens was taken from the farm weather station and the tempera-
ture of the covered pens was measured using a thermograph located cen-
trally in the barn. A comparison of dry bulb temperatures of the open
and covered pens is shown in Figure 2. Maximum temperature differences
occurred in January with the covered pens averaging approximately 5.6° C
warmer than the open pens.
The relative humidity in the covered pens averaged approximately
over the 13-week period which was about 6% higher than the relative
humidity of the open pens.
17
-------
12
D
<
-6h
-12 h
-18
/A
covered penso-
open pens
O 2 4 6 8 1O 12
TIME , weeks
Figure 2. Temperature variation in open and covered pens
18
-------
SECTION VI
MATERIALS AND METHODS
BEEF ANIMALS AND RATION
In August 1973, sixteen pens with eleven steers in each were established
at the Southeast South Dakota Experiment Farm. Eight pens with dimen-
sions of 7.62 by 4.88 m (25 by 16 ft) were located in an unheated
covered environment while eight pens with dimensions of 13.11 by 4.88 m
(43 x 16 ft) were located in an open environment. All pens were sur-
faced with concrete. Treated wood partitions were placed between each
pen to prevent any mixing of waste from one pen to another and at the
end of each pen to retain all solids and liquids in the waste.
Four different rations were composed by varying the NaCl content in the
feed. The four levels of NaCl were 0.00%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% NaCl
added to the ration by weight on a dry-weight basis. Each NaCl level
was fed to four pens of animals, two in the covered environment and
two in the open environment, for the duration of the feeding trial.
Concrete partitions were built in the feed bunks between each pen to
prevent any mixing of rations or animal consumption of the wrong ration.
Thus, the feeding phase consisted of four NaCl levels, two environments,
and two replications.
Beef steers averaging 201.1 kg (443.4 Ib) were delivered to the feedlot
on July 27, 1973. The animals were fed baled alfalfa hay until August 6,
1973, at which time they were gradually adjusted to a corn silage, alfal-
fa hay, antibiotic, and supplemented-molasses ration. The feeding trial
was started on September 4, 1973, with the ration containing corn silage,
antibiotic, supplemented-molasses, and ground limestone with the NaCl
level varying among treatments. On December 29, 1973, the corn silage
in the ration was replaced with chopped alfalfa hay and ground corn.
This ration was used until the steers were marketed on May 20, 1974,
at an average weight of 447.7 kg (987.2 Ib). The amounts of the ingre-
dients in the ration were shifted during the feeding trial to fulfill
the nutritional needs of beef steers being finished for market.
19
-------
A second feeding trial was initiated on September 11, 1974. The feedlot
arrangement was similar to the first feeding trial except an improved
ventilation system was installed in the barn. The average initial
weight of the steers for the second feeding trial was 232.8 kg (513.3
lb). The formulation of the ration and NaCl levels was unchanged for the
second feeding trial except that soybean oil meal was used for the
supplement in place of the molasses. The second feeding trial will
continue until the steers reach market weight.
WASTE HANDLING, SAMPLING, AND ANALYSES
The wastes were removed from the feedlot pens and spread directly on the
field plots except during periods of snow cover and frozen soils. When
the weather did not permit spreading the wastes on the land, the pens
were cleaned and the waste stored in open enclosures built on concrete
pads or on plastic-covered earth pads.
The wastes were hauled and spread in the field using conventional manure
spreaders except for a period of time in the spring when the high liquid
content required the use of a tank spreader. Near the time of spreading,
wastes were incorporated into the soil using a chisel plow. After the
wastes were incorporated, ridges were established around the plots to
control runoff. Waste incorporation and plot preparation are illus-
trated in Figure 3.
All wastes were weighed on a commercial-type scale at the time of hauling
to the field. At the same time, samples were collected for chemical and
water content analyses in the laboratory. From the waste weight, water
content, and chemical analyses, accurate rates of application could be
determined.
The water content of the waste was determined from a sample that was
freeze-dried for other analyses. An extract for cation determination
was obtained by ashing a sample at 450° C, extraction with 6N HC1 twice,
and dilution of the extract to 100 ml with distilled water as described
by Chapman and Pratt (1961). The cations — Ca, Mg, K, and Na — were
determined from the extract by atomic adsorption. The pH and electrical
conductivity of waste samples was determined by instrument on a 1:20
dilution sample based on dry weight.
Total N was determined by the Kjeldahl procedure as described in the EPA
Manual, Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, Analytical
Quality Control Laboratory (1971). Nitrate nitrogen was determined by a
steam distillation procedure as described by Bremner and Keeney (1966).
The cellulose content of the waste was determined by the Crampton-
Maynard Method (1938).
20
-------
Figure 3. Waste incorporation and plot preparation
21
-------
Bacteriological analyses were made on five sets of samples for Total
Coliform, Fecal Coliform and Fecal Streptococcus bacteria. The Most
Probable Number Index Method using five fermentation tubes per sample
was used as described in Section 400 of the Standard Methods for the
Analysis of Water and Waste Water, American Public Health Association et
al (1971).
LAND DISPOSAL PLOTS, SOIL SAMPLING, AND ANALYSES
Field plots with dimensions of 36.6 by 6.1 m (120 by 20 ft) were estab-
lished on Egan silty clay loam soil at the Southeast South Dakota
Experiment Farm. The soils map and topography map for the plot area are
given in Figures 4 and 5. A detailed description of the soil is given
in Table 3. The field design was a randomized complete block with
treatments consisting of four waste rates, 44.8, 134.4, and 179.2 MT/ha.
(20, 40, 60, and 80 t/a.) dry matter, and two types of waste. One type
was a combination of the waste from the pens receiving 0.00% and 0.25%
NaCl (low salt) in the ration and the other type was a combination of
the waste from the pens receiving 0.50% and 0.75% NaCl (high salt) in
the ration. Since the animals were housed in an open environment and a
covered environment, nearly equal amounts of waste from each environment
were applied to each plot. The design contained four replications with
one check plot in each replication. Therefore, the experiment consisted
of four replications, four waste rates, two types of waste, and four
check plots for a total of 36 plots.
In October 1973, soil samples were taken from all plots using a Giddings
soil sampler with a 3.3 cm (1.3 in.) diameter probe. Three sub-samples
collected in each plot were pooled to form one sample. Samples were
collected at depth increments of 0 to 30.5 cm, (0 to 12 in.), 30.5 to
61.0 cm (12 to 24 in.), 61.0 to 91.4 cm (24 to 36 in.), and 91.4 to
152.4 cm (36 to 60 in.). In September, 1974, all 36 plots were again
sampled in the manner described above which is illustrated in Figure 6.
Soil samples taken in October 1973 and September 1974 were analyzed for
pH and for both extractable and water soluble Ca, Mg, Na, and K. Water
soluble Ca, Mg, Na, and K were obtained from analysis of the saturated
extract (Bower and Wilcox, 1965) by atomic adsorption (Isaac and Kerber,
1971). Extractable Ca, Mg, Na, and K were determined by an atomic
adsorption analysis (Isaac and Kerber, 1971) of an NltyAc extract (U.S.
Salinity Laboratory Staff, 1954). Electrical conductivity was determined
using the saturated extract. Soil pH determinations were made on the
soil's saturated paste. Chlorides were obtained by analysis of the
saturated extract (American Public Health Association, American Water
Works Association, and Water Pollution Control Federation, 1971). Soil
analyses were also made for available P (NH^F extractable), organic
matter, and total N (Jackson, 1958).
22
-------
90 105 120 135
/ / I//
KEY TO PLOTS
37-72 Plot number 20
H High NaCl treatment 40
L Low NaCl treatment 60
C Check 80
RO Runoff devices
-15- Relative elevations in 15 cm intervals
44.8 MT/ha.
89.6 MT/ha.
134 MT/ha.
179.2 MT/ha.
Figure 4. Field plots showing relative elevations
23
-------
55
H
-,
"
H
;
57
H
60
*
58
L
20
59
L
60
/
60
H
60
X
61
H
4px
RO
62
C
RO
r
/
40
RO
64
H
80
RO
65
H
40
RO
66
L
20
67
L
40
/
68
L
80,
RO
69
L
y
t
70
80
RO
k
H
80
RO
72
C
E2A
E2A
37
H
?0
38
L
20
39
C
40
H
60
41
H
20
42
H
40
RO
43
H
80
RO
44
H
80
RO
45
L
80
RO
46
L
60
\
\
L
20
48
\
80
RO
49
L
40
RO
50
L
4>
RO
51
H
«U
52
H
40
N
RO
53
L
60
N
54
C
KEY TO SOILS
E1A Egan silty clay loam, 0-2% slopes (deep ABC II profiles)
E2A Egan sllty clay loam, 0-2% slopes (deep AB II profiles)
E2A* Egan silty clay loam, 0-2% slopes (deep AB II profiles),
carbonates at 20 to 38 cm - not typical for the series.
Figure 5. Soils map of plot area
24
-------
Table 3. DETAILED PROFILE DESCRIPTION OF THE
EGAN SILTY CLAY LOAM SOIL3
Location: Southeast Agricultural Experiment Farm, Centerville, South
Dakota.
Classification: Typic Haplustoll; fine silty, mixed mesic.
Parent Material: Loess over glacial till.
Physiography: Nearly level plain with low broad ridges.
Salt or Alkali: None. Land Use: Cropland.
Stoniness: None above 68.6 cm (27 in.). Erosion: Slight.
Slope: 1% convex. Permeability: Moderate.
Drainage: Well drained. Ground Water: Deep.
Horizon
Ap
B21
Depth,
cm
(in.)
0-17.8
(0-7)
17.8-38.1
(7-15)
Description
Dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) silty clay
loam, very dark brown (10YR 2/2) moist;
weak fine granular structure; soft, very
friable, slightly sticky; slightly acid;
abrupt smooth boundary.
Brown (10YR 5/3) silty clay loam, very
dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) moist,
crushing to dark brown (10YR 3/3), moist,
weak medium prismatic structure; parting
to weak coarse and medium subangular blocky
structure; slightly hard, friable slightly
sticky; neutral; gradual wavy boundary.
aThis is an approved soil series description from the State Soil
Scientist's office.
25
-------
Table 3 Cont.
DETAILED PROFILE DESCRIPTION OF
THE EGAN SILTY CLAY LOAM SOIL
Horizon
Depth,
cm
(in.)
Description
B22
B3ca
IIC1
38.1-61.0
(15-24)
61.0-78.7
(24-31)
78.7-106.7
(31-42)
IIC2
106.7-152.4
(42-60)
Grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2) silty clay loam,
dark grayish brown (2.5Y 4/2) moist; weak
coarse prismatic structure parting to
weak coarse and medium subangular blocky
structure; slightly hard, friable, slightly
sticky; neutral, clear smooth boundary.
Light brownish gray (2.5Y 6/2) silty clay
loam, grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2) moist;
common fine distinct strong brown (7.5YR
5/8) mottles, weak coarse subangular
blocky structure, hard, friable, slightly
sticky; common fine distinct accumulations;
many medium soft lime segregations; strong
effervescence; moderately alkaline; grad-
ual wavy boundary.
Light brownish gray (2.5Y 6/2) clay loam,
olive brown (2.5Y 4/4) moist; common fine
distinct strong brown (7.SYR 5/8) mottles;
moderate coarse prismatic structure parting
to moderate coarse subangular blocky struc-
ture; hard, firm, slightly sticky; common
fine brown accumulations; many fine soft
lime segregations; strong effervescence;
moderately alkaline; gradual wavy boundary.
Light brownish gray (2.5Y 6/2) clay loam,
dark grayish brown (2.5Y 4/2) moist; many
fine distinct strong brown (7.SYR 5/8) and
yellowish red (SYR 4/8) mottles; moderate
coarse subangular blocky structure; hard,
firm, slightly sticky; common fine and
medium brown accumulations; common lime
segregations; strong effervescence; strongly
alkaline.
26
-------
Figure 6. Soil sampling
-------
The initial soil analyses revealed extremely high values for extract-
able Ca and Mg for most plots below 30.5 cm (12 in.) and for some
plots at the 0- to 30.5-cm (0 to 12 in.) depth. The soils on which
the plots are located have free CaC03 and related salts in the profile.
Thus, it was concluded that the free CaC03 and related salts were
responsible for the high and erroneous values for extractable Ca and
Mg. When free CaC03 is present in the soil profile, analysis for Ca
using NH^Ac results in measurement of Ca activity above the true activity
in the soil (Heald, 1965).
Cation exchange capacity (U.S. Salinity Laboratory Staff, 1954) was
determined for selected plots which were representative of the particu-
lar soil area and which may have a varying cation exchange capacity
due to the large amount of added waste.
Statistical analyses included several analyses of variance of a fac-
torial experiment in a randomized complete block design. Also, mul-
tiple regression analyses were used to isolate the specific effects
of NaCl level and waste rates on yield, exchangeable Na, exchangeable
K, and EC.
After waste hauling and moldboard plowing were finished, all plots were
disked and harrowed to establish a seedbed. The plots were planted
on May 24, 1974, to corn (Zea mays L.'Funks G-4252') at about 47,000
plants per hectare (19,000 plants per acre). A recommended herbicide
was applied in bands over the corn for weed control. Due to poor ger-
mination related to seedbed quality and low rainfall, seven plots were
replanted by hand on June 19, 1974.
PLANT SAMPLING, CORN YIELDS, AND ANALYSES
Leaf samples to be used for chemical analysis were collected from all
plots during the final week of July, 1974. The leaves sampled were
taken from opposite and below ears which had white silks showing.
Samples were dried at 100° C, ground through a stainless steel screen,
and analyzed for Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Mn, Fe, B, Cu, Zn, Al, Sr, and Mo
by spark-emission spectroscopy according to the analytical procedures
of the Ohio Plant Analysis Laboratory, Wooster, Ohio. Samples were
analyzed for N by the Kjeldahl Method and for S by the Spectrophoto-
metric Method using BaCl2-
The corn from each plot was harvested as silage on September 9, 1974,
by removing all the forage from two rows with a spacing of 76.2-cm
(30 in.) and a length of 9.14 m (30 ft). The silage was weighed and
subsamples for moisture analysis were taken by removing grab samples
of the forage after it passed through the chopper. The dry matter
yields were calculated from the total forage weight and moisture analysis
of the subsamples. From these subsamples smaller subsamples were col-
lected, dried at 70° C, and analyzed for N03~N.
28
-------
On September 18, 1974, ear corn yields were obtained by picking the
ears from two rows with a spacing of 76.2-cm (30 in.) and a length
of 9.14 m (30 ft). All ears were weighed and the centers of 12 ears
were removed to obtain the moisture content.
All forage was removed from the plots on September 26, 1974, in order
that waste hauling could begin.
RUNOFF
Seventeen plots as identified in the plot diagram, Figure 4, were
instrumented for measuring the quantity of runoff and for collecting
samples for water quality analyses. The runoff plots slope gently
in a northwesterly direction. An earth ridge was formed around each
plot to divert runoff waters to a collection point. A Type H flume
with a stilling well was installed in the ridge at the collection point.
A horizontal drum water-stage recorder with float-activated clock was
installed to measure runoff waters passing through the flume.
A water collection reservoir was installed on the exit side of the
flume to provide a pick-up volume for the automatic water sampler.
The water sampler consisted of a pick-up tube, collection bottles,
and a tripping mechanism that was activated by the stage recorder.
Water was drawn into the collection bottles by a 20 psi vacuum created
in the bottles.
Figure 7 illustrates the runoff measuring instruments in the field
installation.
Water collected during a runoff event was transported within a few
hours to the Water Quality Laboratory on the South Dakota State Uni-
versity campus for analysis.
29
-------
Figure 7. Runoff field installation
30
-------
SECTION VII
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
ANIMAL PERFORMANCE
Animal performance data during two periods of approximately three months
each are given in Table 4. Although feed consumption and rates of gain
were different during the two periods, salt levels and pen environment
appeared to have little effect on the results. The data show a trend
toward higher rates of gain and slightly higher feed efficiencies for
cattle housed in the open pens. The cattle fed a ration low in salt
(0.25%) tended to gain as well as the cattle receiving a high salt
(0.75%) ration.
It should be emphasized that cattle receiving another ration or using
a different source of water might perform differently.
WASTE CHARACTERISTICS
Waste Production
The average amount of dry matter produced per animal per day during
the first feeding cycle is shown in Table 5. The values reflect the
change in ration in January, 1974, from a high roughage to a low rough-
age content with a reduction in the amount of waste produced. The
variability in waste production within environment and salt-level
treatments appears as great as between treatments.
Water Content and Handling Characteristics
The water content of the waste samples ranged from a low of 57% to
a high or 87% depending upon weather conditions prior to handling.
Waste that exceeded approximately 85% water content were too fluid
to handle with a conventional spreader and were hauled with a tank
spreader. Although little difference could be observed in water con-
tent, wastes from the pens receiving the two highest levels of NaCl
in the ration were more fluid in handling characteristics. The wastes
from the high salt rations contained more Na and apparently tended to
31
-------
Table 4. ANIMAL PERFORMANCE
Added
salt
Covered Pens
Daily Feed
gain, amount
(kg/day) (kg/day)
Open Pens
Daily Feed
gain, amount
(kg/day) (kg/day)
Overall Average
Daily Feed
gain, amount
(kg/day) (kg/day)
Period I January 1, 1974 to April 16, 1974
0.00%
0.25%
0.50%
0.75%
0.68
0.89
0.68
0.88
6.02
4.69
7.48
5.33
0.93
0.83
0.77
0.91
5.41
5.66
5.22
5.28
0.80
0.86
0.72
0.90
5.72
5.18
6.35
5.31
Period II September 11, 1974 to December 5, 1974
0.00%
0.25%
0.50%
0.75%
0.96
1.03
0.99
1.00
3.59
3.37
3.51
3.47
1.06
1.14
1.09
1.08
3.42
3.18
3.31
3.36
1.01
1.08
1.04
1.03
3.50
3.27
3.41
3.41
be more dispersed. Since no bedding was added to the wastes, the handling
characteristics were directly related to water content and degree of
dispersion.
Analyses
Waste analysis data are summarized in Table 6. Additional detailed
analysis data are given in Appendix A. The composition of the waste
reflects the salt (NaCl) content of the ration in Cl, Na, and EC. The
amounts of K, P, N (total), and cellulose present in the waste are
influenced by the roughage content and type.
Differences in waste composition due to the covered or open environment
are small to negligible. However, the waste from the two environments
were handled or stored in the same manner for the equivalent time periods.
Waste Application Rates on Field Plots
The amounts of waste applied to field plots from pens receiving the low
salt ration are shown in Table 7. Rates of waste applied to plots from
pens receiving the high salt ration are shown in Table 8. Although the
proposed rates were not completely achieved due to a lower-than-predicted
waste production, the rates achieved do give separate treatments that
approach the proposed rates.
32
-------
Table 5. DRY MATTER WASTE PRODUCTION3
1973
Added
salt
%b
0.00
0.25
0.50
0.75
Envi-
onment
C
C
0
0
C
C
0
0
C
C
0
0
C
C
0
0
Pen
number
4
9
6
13
1
12
7
16
2
10
8
15
3
11
5
14
Sept.
and
Oct. ,
(kg)
2.54
2.42
2.84
2.34
2.61
2.41
2.14
2.22
2.56
2.58
2.13
2.43
2.77
2.67
2.49
2.57
Oct.
and
Nov. ,
(kg)
2.98
2.78
—
2.76
2.87
2.60
—
—
2.73
2.62
—
—
2.82
2.78
2.95
3.91
1974
Feb.
and
Mar.,
(kg)
1.36
2.00
1.81
1.86
2.22
1.45
2.09
1.95
1.45
1.72
2.09
2.00
1.32
1.68
2.22
2.09
Mar.
and
Apr.,
(kg)
1.61
1.51
—
1.96
1.66
1.76
—
2.09
1.39
1.45
1.71
1.72
1.60
1.67
1.97
2.20
Based on average waste produced per head per day
^Percent of dry matter in total ration
Bacteriological Characteristics
The most probable number (MPN) Index for the intestinal bacteria—total
coliform, fecal coliform, and fecal streptococci—found in the waste on
five sampling dates is shown in Table 9. As expected, the MPN for fecal
streptococci exceeded the estimate for total coliform and fecal coliform
on all sampling dates. Over the range of salt levels used in the ration,
the NaCl content of the feed produced no observable effect upon the MPN
for any of the bacterial estimates made. If an effect of salt were to
be noted, it would have been expected to be observed in the numbers of
total coliform or fecal coliform.
The MPN Indexes for most of the first sampling estimates (10-17-73) are
lower than the Indexes on other sampling dates. The low values may have
33
-------
Table 6. WASTE ANALYSES
PERIOD I HIGH ROUGHAGE RATION
B
Ca
K
Mg
Na
N-Total
P
Cellulose
Units No salt
ppm 0.19
% 0.94
% 3.24
% 0.74
% 0.30
% 3.00
% 0.61
% 26.50
0.25%
0.17
0.96
3.34
0.74
0.60
3.07
0.62
25.90
0.50%
0.18
0.96
3.45
0.74
0.93
3.11
0.63
25.60
0.75%
0.17
0.91
3.40
0.73
1.24
3.00
0.63
25.60
Avg.
0.18
0.94
3.36
0.74
0.77
3.05
0.62
25.90
PERIOD II LOW ROUGHAGE RATION
B
Ca
K
Mg
Na
N-Total
P
Cellulose
Units No salt
ppm 0 . 19
% 1.39
% 2.98
% 0.75
% 0.51
% 3.95
% 1.08
% 12.13
0.25%
0.19
1.38
2.91
0.76
0.89
3.99
1.09
11.71
0.50%
0.18
1.42
2.97
0.77
1.20
3.93
1.09
11.62
0.75%
0.18
1.34
2.99
0.73
1.58
4.02
1.08
11.23
Avg.
0.19
1.38
2.96
0.75
1.05
3.97
1.09
11.68
34
-------
Table 7. WASTE RATES FROM THE LOW NaCl
RATION APPLIED TO FIELD PLOTS
Proposed
rate,
MT/ha
Replication
Total
waste,
MT/ha
44.8
89.6
134.4
179.2
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
Average
Average
Average
Average
96.86
96.47
99.05
113.46
139.37
129.37
147.08
124.99
165.70
176.26
169.03
167.22
38.52
101.46
135.20
169.55
been due to the initiation of the project in a clean feedlot with less
than favorable conditions for bacterial population buildup.
CROP RESPONSE
Corn Leaf Analyses
Summary data for analyses of corn leaf samples taken from the waste
treatment plots are shown in Table 10. More complete leaf analysis
data are given in Appendix Tables A8 and A9. According to Jones (1967)
the Ca values shown in Table 10 are in the sufficient-to-high range,
while all the K values are in the excessive range. The N values
increased, as expected, with increased waste rates and the Mg content
35
-------
Table 8. WASTE RATES FROM THE HIGH NaCl
RATION APPLIED TO FIELD PLOTS
Proposed
rate,
MT/ha
Replication
Total
waste,
MT/ha
44.8
89.6
134.4
179.2
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
Average
Average
Average
44.38
18.26
26.54
18.52
100.69
72.20
80.55
88.66
124.81
114.07
120.68
119.24
166.59
155.97
169.48
198.73
Average
26.92
85,32
119.70
172.69
of the leaves decreased with increasing waste rates. Although the
Mg contents reported are considered sufficient, if the Mg content of
total forage shows the same trend in other grasses, the possibility
of hypomagnesemia exists for cattle grazing on the forage.
Although the N content of the leaves increased with waste rate, a
nitrate analysis of whole plants removed for silage showed no evidence
of nitrate accumulations in the plant due to the drought conditions.
Corn Silage and Grain Yields
The average yields of silage and ear corn harvested from the waste
treatment plots are given in Table 11. Complete yield data are given
in Appendix Table A10. The silage and ear corn yields were variable.
36
-------
Table 9. BACTERIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BEEF WASTES
Salt
level
of
ration
0%
0.25%
0.50%
0.75%
Average
all salt
levels
MPN/lOOml x 106
Sampling dates
10-17-73
54
32
55
61
51
10-30-73
TOTAL
33
71
179
185
142
12-17-73
COLIFORM
332
219
117
196
216
3-6-74
62
68
80
359
142
4-16-74
194
182
128
162
167
Average
all
dates
155
114
112
193
FECAL STREPTOCOCCUS
0%
0.25%
0.50%
0.75%
Average
all salt
levels
0%
0.25%
0.50%
0.75%
Average
all salt
levels
1077
409
727
874
772
37
23
162
35
64
1609
1609
1609
1436
1566
FECAL
91
66
34
175
92
1610
620
1258
2488
1494
COLIFORM
148
80
81
134
111
1020
1573
3338
810
1685
49
67
67
184
92
2213
3815
2810
2040
2720
194
214
128
130
167
1506
1605
1948
1530
104
90
94
132
37
-------
Table 10. LEAF ANALYSES OF CORN PLANTS HARVESTED AT SILKING
FROM PLOTS RECEIVING THE INDICATED AMOUNTS OF WASTE8
Waste
rate,
(MT/ha.)
Check
38.5
26.9
101.5
85.3
135.2
119.7
169.6
172.7
Salt
level
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Nb
2.70
2.97
2.80
3.05
3.06
3.18
3.08
3.25
3.12
P
0.27
0.35
0.34
0.35
0.35
0.36
0.36
0.35
0.35
K
2.61
2.61
2.59
2.58
2.68
2.61
2.65
2.69
2.52
% Ca
0.55
0.53
0.55
0.51
0.53
0.48
0.52
0.47
0.46
Mg
0.54
0.39
0.44
0.36
0.34
0.32
0.30
0.32
0.26
aAll Na analyses were less than 0.01%
bN was determined by Kjeldahl
The silage yields for the waste treatments are not significantly dif-
ferent. Although the ear corn yields are significantly different at
the 5% level, a multiple regression analysis using ear corn yield as
the dependent variable and waste rate and amount of applied Na as inde-
pendent variables established an equation which explained only 16% of
the variation.
The early season corn growth appeared to favor the plots receiving the
lower waste rates. However, as the corn roots grew deeper and the
corn reached maturity, visible early-season differences disappeared.
The randomness of yields indicated that other factors, such as weather
and time of waste application, were influencing results. Closer examina-
tion of the data could not establish the causes of the variable yields.
38
-------
Table 11. YIELD OF EAR CORN AND SILAGE FROM PLOTS RECEIVING
FOUR RATES OF APPLIED BEEF WASTE
Waste
rate,
(MT/ha.)
Check
38.5
26.9
101.5
85.3
135.2
119.7
169.6
172.7
Salt
treatment
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Ear corn yield
(15.5% water),
(hl/ha.) (bu/a.)
39.22
55.19
35.27
62.32
54.50
52.77
61.00
62.19
53.89
45.08
63.43
40.54
71.64
62.65
60.65
70.11
71.48
61.94
Silage yield
(Dry weight) ,
(MT/ha.) (t/a.)
5.67
8.47
6.72
7.54
7.86
5.98
6.68
7.68
6.37
2.53
3.78
3.00
3.37
3.51
2.67
2.98
3.43
2.85
SOIL EFFECTS
The results reported here will concentrate on the changes which occurred
in the soil as a result of the first year of waste application to the
field plots. The Fall 1973 soils data represent the beginning of the
waste treatment phase of the project and the Fall 1974 data represent
the completion of one year of study.
As can be seen in Tables 12 and 13, the effects of the applied wastes
are evident in the changes which occurred in the surface layer, 0- to
30-cm depth. The chlorides (Cl) and the electrical conductivity (EC)
showed manyfold increases. The increase in EC is of special signifi-
cance due to the already high EC values below the 60-cm depth in the
profile. Also, to be noted from Table 13 is the lack of movement of
waste constituents into the underlying layers. The rainfall deficit
of approximately 19 cm resulted in little or no leaching water.
Since the effects of the waste treatments are restricted to the surface
layer, discussions of analyses and statistical treatments will be con-
fined to results in the surface layer.
39
-------
Table 12. SOIL ANALYSES: CHLORIDES, ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY AND pH£
Applied
waste,
(MT/ha.)
Check
38.52 L
26.92 H
101.46 L
85.32 H
135.20 L
119.70 H
169.55 L
172.69 H
Soil
depth,
(cm)
0-30
30-61
61-91
91-152
0-30
30-61
61-91
91-152
0-30
30-61
61-91
91-152
0-30
30-61
61-91
91-152
0-30
30-61
61-91
91-152
0-30
30-61
61-91
91-152
0-30
30-61
61-91
91-152
0-30
30-61
61-91
91-152
0-30
30-61
61-91
91-152
Clb,
(ppm)
37.5
29.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
33.4
20.3
22.9
43.8
25.0
25.0
25.0
35.4
36.1
35.4
25.0
33.3
29.2
27.8
25.0
31.2
30.6
38.9
25.0
37.5
33.3
33.3
29.2
32.3
31.9
18.8
25.0
37.5
32.3
35.4
16.7
Fall 1973
EC,
(pmhos/cm)
630b
2889b
2480b
4768b
682
1124
3364
6090
461
747
3018
5045
724
2044
3941
5464
713
1247
3434
7828
684
1784
5437
5704
738
949
2518
5067
923
2802
6309
5837
830
1840
4748
6076
PH
6.96b
7.62b
7.81b
7.67b
6.47
7.39
7.58
7.59
6.54
7.61
7.47
7.65
6.43
7.36
7.62
7.59
6.51
7.24
7.42
7.66
6.22
7.24
7.51
7.55
6.44
7.25
7.30
7.63
6.14
7.48
7.66
7.51
6.27
7.40
7.68
7.64
Cl,
(ppm)
10.4
18.8
9.4
9.4
208.3
21.9
21.9
16.7
176.1
35.5
31.3
33.3
328.1
37.5
12.5
4.2
422.9
37.5
16.7
11.5
552.1
66.6
29.2
15.7
689.6
49.0
36.5
6.3
469.8
51.1
18.8
6.3
824.1
132.3
27.1
15.6
Fall 1974
EC,
(ymhos/cm)
1116
2451
4007
5506
2418
1284
3653
5678
1929
636
4474
5917
4873
1584
4892
6152
3947
1409
4082
5360
5886
1513
4952
5852
5456
1711
4196
5725
5020
2289
4954
6308
6017
1899
4573
5782
PH
6.47
7.14
7.46
7.46
6.16
7.21
7.37
7.40
6.22
7.05
7.21
7.41
6.18
7.22
7.32
7.45
6.28
7.16
7.38
7.42
5.98
7.09
7.36
7.37
6.28
7.18
7.25
7.37
6.27
7.07
7.39
7.53
6.13
7.01
7.29
7.50
aAverage of four replications
bLess than four replications
40
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Table 13. SOIL ANALYSES: NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS
Applied
waste,
(MT/ha.)
Check
38.52 L
26.92 H
101.46 L
85.32 H
135.20 L
119.70 H
169.55 L
172.69 H
Soil
depth,
(cm)
0-30.5
30.5-61.0
61.0-91.4
91.4-152.4
0-30.5
30.5-61.0
61.0-91.4
91.4-152.4
0-30.5
30.5-61.0
61.0-91.4
91.4-152.4
0-30.5
30.5-61.0
61.0-91.4
91.4-152.4
0-30.5
30.5-61.0
61.0-91.4
91.4-152.4
0-30.5
30.5-61.0
61.0-91.4
91.4-152.4
0-30.5
30.5-61.0
61.0-91.4
91.4-152.4
0-30.5
30.5-61.0
61.0-91.4
91.4-152.4
0-30.5
30.5-61.0
61.0-91.4
91.4-152.4
Fall
Total N,
(%)
0.20b
0.08b
0.05b
0.03b
0.20
0.09
0.06
0.04
0.20
0.10
0.06
0.04
0.21
0.10
0.04
0.03
0.21
0.11
0.05
0.03
0.20
0.11
0.05
0.03
0.21
0.10
0.06
0.04
0.21
0.09
0.05
0.05
0.19
0.10
0.04
0.03
1973
NH4FP,
(ppm)
4.0b
1.5b
1.8b
2.0b
7.3
3.0
4.1
5.9
6.6
2.8
2.1
1.9
6.1
2.5
2.6
2.6
6.5
2.3
1.8
2.1
7.9
3.0
3.1
4.0
7.0
3.6
4.9
6.4
8.8
2.9
2.4
2.8
8.6
2.4
2.3
2.5
Fall
Total N,
(%)
0.20
0.09
0.22
0.10
0.21
0.10
0.26
0.09
0.24
0.09
0.27
0.11
0.25
0.10
0.25
0.11
0.25
0.10
1974
NHAFP,
(ppm)
4.5
1.3
22.5
1.4
17.8
2.3
>70
1.8
48.8
1.6
>70
2.6
38.3
1.6
>70
2.1
>70
2.6
aAverage of four replications
bLess than four replications
41
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Table 14. SOIL ANALYSES FOR PLOTS RECEIVING
THE INDICATED AMOUNTS OF WASTE
Waste
rate,
(MT/ha.)
38.5
26.9
101.5
85.3
135.2
119.7
169.6
172.7
Fall 1973
Salt
level
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Na, K,
(meq/lOOg)
0.25
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.10
0.06
0.08
0.06
0.48
0.46
0.82
0.76
0.80
0.77
0.84
0.71
Fall 1974
EC, Na, K,
(iamhos/cm) (meq/lOOg)
682
460
724
713
683
745
923
830
0.15
0.18
0.27
0.36
0.38
0.54
0.33
0.56
0.85
0.88
1.86
1.47
2.46
1.76
2.18
1.93
EC,
(ymhos/cm)
2418
1928
4873
3956
5886
5456
4903
6016
Exchangeable Na, Exchangeable K, and EC in Soil Samples
Table 14 lists the mean values for exchangeable Na, exchangeable K,
and EC for the waste treatments applied during the year. The increase
in exchangeable Na within plots receiving high salt waste and high
rates can be readily observed.
The results from the analysis of variance for exchangeable Na are given
in Table 15. The results show that the main effects of waste rate
and NaCl treatment are nonsignificant. However, since the seasonal
change, Fall 1973 to Fall 1974, represents the change in soil condi-
tions due to the application of waste, the variable of season is needed
in the main effect or interaction. The significance of the season main
effect, the season by waste rate interaction, and the season by NaCl
treatment interaction suggest that a real difference exists for ex-
changeable Na with varying rates of waste. The mean values given in
Table 16 for the significant tests show a larger increase in exchange-
able Na for higher waste rates and high salt treatments.
After determining the significance of the various effects by the
analysis of variance, a multiple regression analysis was performed
42
-------
Table 15. ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE FOR EXCHANGEABLE Na IN SOIL
Source
Season (S)
Waste rate (W)
Salt treatment (N)
Replication (R)
S x W
S x N
W x N
S x W x N
S x R
W x R
S x W x R
N x R
S x N x R
W x N x R
Error
df
1
3
1
3
3
1
3
3
3
9
9
3
3
9
9
Mean square
1.0686b
0.4576 NS
0.1723 NS
0.0126
0.1281b
0.1434a
0.0211 NS
0.0043 NS
0.0162
0.0186
0.0083
0.0186
0.0076
0.0137
0.0112
Significant at the .05 level
bSignificant at the .01 level
NS nonsignificant at the .05 level
43
-------
Table 16. THE MEAN VALUES FOR EXCHANGEABLE Na (meq/lOOg) FOR THE
MAIN EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS WHICH ARE SIGNIFICANT
Season x waste rate
Proposed rate ,
MT/ha. (t/a.) Fall 1973a Fall 1974°
44.8 (20) 0.16 0.16
89.6 (40) 0.05 0.32
134.4 (60) 0.08 0.46
179.2 (80) 0.07 0.45
Season x salt treatment
Salt
treatment Fall 1973 Fall 1974
Low 0.12 0.28
High 0.06 0.41
aSeason mean value = 0.09
"Season mean value =0.35
to predict the change in exchangeable Na. The dependent variable
was defined as the change in exchangeable Na from the Fall 1973 sam-
pling to the Fall 1974 sampling, while the independent variables
were defined as the actual amount of applied waste and the amount
of applied Na.
The results of the multiple regression analysis are given in Table
17. The antount of applied Na was more strongly related to the change
in exchangeable Na than was waste rate. The addition of waste rate
to the equation failed to increase the precision of the equation.
This is a logical result since the amount of applied Na is not inde-
pendent of the waste rate; however, by using the multiple regression
analysis the independent variable which best predicts the change in
exchangeable Na was determined.
44
-------
Table 17. EQUATIONS DEVELOPED FOR EXCHANGEABLE Na FROM THE
MULTIPLE REGRESSION ANALYSIS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF
THE EQUATIONS
Percent of variation
Equation
Y =
Y =
Y =
Y =
0.
0.
0.
0.
05044
05007
05062
05008
+
+
+
+
0
0
0
0
explained by equation rz
.00024 Zx - 0.00001 Z2 NS
.00024 Z-f
.00027 XL - 0.00003 X2 NS
.00026 Xia
70.
70.
70.
70.
0
0
0
0
.69
.69
Y is the change in exchangeable Na (meq/lOOg)
Z^ is the kilograms of applied Na (kg/ha.)
2.2 is the waste rate (MT/ha.)
X1 is the pounds of applied Na (Ib/a.)
X is the waste rate (t/a.)
Significant at the .01 level
NS nonsignificant at the .05 level
The multiple regression analysis indicates that the simple linear
regression equation using the weight of applied Na to predict the
change in exchangeable Na is significant and explains a large part
of the variation. Using this equation it is possible to predict the
potential for dispersion of soil based on chemical analyses of the
soil and waste. It is also necessary to make some assumptions con-
cerning the type of clay present in the soil before predicting the
possibility of soil dispersion. The critical value of 15% exchange-
able Na for classification as a sodic soil may be beyond the dispersion
point. Some soil scientists believe that the critical value for dis-
persion varies with the type of clay that is present in the soil and
with the presence of other ions.
45
-------
Table 18. ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE RESULTS
FOR EXCHANGEABLE K IN SOIL
Source
Season (S)
Waste rate (W)
Salt treatment (N)
Replication (R)
S x W
S x N
W x N
S x W x N
S x R
W x R
S x W x R
N x R
S x N x R
W x N x R
Error
df
1
3
1
3
3
1
3
3
3
9
9
3
3
9
9
Mean square
14.9286a
2.0893a
0.6064 NS
0.0958
0.7536 NS
0.2876 NS
0.0945 NS
0.0958 NS
0.1701
0.1442
0.2010
0.1164
0.1655
0.0824
0.0408
aSignifleant at the .01 level
NS nonsignificant at the .05 level
The results from the analysis of variance for exchangeable K are given
in Table 18 and the means for the significant main effects are given in
Table 19. The waste rate is the variable which influences the amount of
K added to the soil and, thus, affects any change in exchangeable K.
However, since the application of K is directly related to season, the
season variable needs to be present in the effect. Thus, the important
effect is the season by waste rate interaction which is nonsignificant
for exchangeable K.
46
-------
Table 19. THE MEAN VALUES FOR EXCHANGEABLE K
(meq/lOOg) FOR THE MAIN EFFECTS WHICH
ARE SIGNIFICANT AT THE .01 LEVEL.
Season
Year
1973
1974
Mean value
meq/lOOg
0.71
1.67
Waste
Proposed rate,
MT/ha. (t/a.)
44.8 (20)
89.6 (40)
134.4 (60)
179.2 (80)
rate
Mean value
meq/lOOg
0.67
1.23
1.45
1.41
The multiple regression analysis with the change in exchangeable K from
the Fall 1973 sampling to the Fall 1974 sampling as the dependent
variable and waste rate and the amount of applied K as the independent
variables was performed. The results in Table 20 show waste rate as the
best single parameter for predicting the change in exchangeable K. Even
though the simple linear regression equation is significant at the .01
level it explains very little of the variation making the equation
unsuitable for prediction in the field.
The inability of the data to detect a significant change in exchangeable
K for the season by waste rate interaction may be related to the presence
of large amounts of illite in South Dakota soils. The illitic type
clays make it difficult to accurately measure exchangeable K.
The analysis of variance results for EC are given in Table 21. The
significance of the season by waste rate interaction shows that there is
a significant difference among the waste rate treatments with the change
in season. The mean values given in Table 22 show the EC seasonal
change is greater for the higher waste rates.
47
-------
Table 20. EQUATIONS DEVELOPED FOR EXCHANGEABLE
K FROM THE MULTIPLE REGRESSION ANALYSIS
AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EQUATIONS
Percent of variation
Equation explained by equation
Y *
Y -
Y -
Y =
0.
0.
0.
0.
22394 H
19782 ^
22331 H
19777 H
h 0
h 0
h 0
h 0
.02423
.00723
.05422
.01620
Z
Z
X
X
1 ~
a
1
1 ~
a
0.00055 Z2 NS
0.00061 X2 NS
40.
38.
40.
38.
0
3
0
3
.38
.38
Y is the change in exchangeable K (meq/lOOg)
Zj is the waste rate (MT/ha.)
Z2 is the kilograms of applied K (kg/ha.)
X, is the waste rate (t/a.)
X2 is the pounds of applied K (Ib/a.)
Significant at the .01 level
NS nonsignificant at the .05 level
The nonsignificance of the season by salt treatment interaction indi-
cates that even though the variation in the total cation contents of
waste is influenced by the Na content (Appendix Table A7), the change
due to the Na content is small when compared to the total cations.
With the significance of the season by waste rate interaction, a mul-
tiple regression analysis (Table 23) was performed to develop a regres-
sion equation for predicting the change in EC. The analysis included
the change in EC, based on the change in EC from the Fall 1973 sampling
to the Fall 1974 sampling, as the dependent variable and waste rate and
amount of total cations applied as the independent variables. The waste
rate was found to be a better parameter for predicting a change in EC
than amount of total cations applied.
48
-------
Table 21. ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE RESULTS FOR EC IN SOIL
Source
Season (S)
Waste rate (W)
Salt treatment (N)
Replication (R)
S x W
S x N
W x N
S x W x N
S x R
W x R
S x W x R
N x R
S x N x R
W x N x R
Error
df
1
3
1
3
3
1
3
3
3
9
9
3
3
9
9
Mean square
2.2016 x 108S
1.1624 x 10?a
2.4292 x 105 NS
1.4291 x 106
9.0130 x lO6*
5.2498 x 104 NS
7.6699 x 105 NS
8.4562 x 105 NS
1.1470 x 106
1.0773 x 106
7.1483 x 105
4.4046 x 105
4.2689 x 105
3.9206 x 105
3.8936 x 105
Significant at the .01 level
NS nonsignificant at the .05 level
Although the simple linear regression equation for predicting a change
in EC by using the waste rate is significant at the .01 level, it is
able to only explain approximately one-half of the variation. Thus, the
equation is unacceptable for making field predictions for a change in EC
due to a waste application.
-------
Table 22. THE MEAN VALUES FOR EC (ymhos/cm) FOR THE MAIN
EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS WHICH ARE SIGNIFICANT
Waste rate
Proposed rate
MT/ha. (t/a.)
44.8 (20)
89.6 (40)
134.4 (60)
179.2 (80)
(ymhos/cm)
1372
2566
3193
3168
Season
Fall 1973
y mhos /cm
571
718
714
877
x waste rate
Fall 1974
y mhos /cm
2173
4415
5671
5460
Table 23. THE EQUATIONS DEVELOPED FOR EC FROM THE MULTIPLE REGRES-
SION ANALYSIS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EQUATIONS
Equation
Percent of variation
explained by equation
Y - 1220.38 x 14.74 Z{ + 0.14 Z2 NS
Y - 1219.26 + 23.44 Z]_a
Y = 1220.19 + 32.76 Xx + 0.16 X2 NS
Y - 1218.90 + 52.50 X]8
53.2
53.0
53.2
53.0
.53
.53
Y is the change in EC (ymhos/cm)
Z-L is the waste rate (MT/ha.)
Z2 is the kilograms of applied cations (kg/ha.)
X-j^ is the waste rate (t/a.)
X2 is the pounds of applied cations (Ib/a.)
Significant at the .01 level
NS nonsignificant at the .05 level
50
-------
After a single year of waste disposal, the salinity of the surface
30 cm of soil within plots receiving high rates of waste has increased
to a level normally expected to cause reduced growth for many crops.
Since the soil below 60 cm in this area is naturally saline, the plots
where the heavy waste applications have been made are saline through-
out most of the crop rooting zone.
The corn production data for the first year are variable. The less
than normal rainfall resulted in reduced water for crop growth and
almost no water for leaching. Seasons with higher rainfall could be
expected to result in more leaching of salts deeper into the soil pro-
file and could be expected to give quite different crop production
results. However, the precipitation patterns of the sub-humid Plains
are naturally variable and variable leaching or runoff patterns can
be expected.
RUNOFF
Although the runoff sampling and measuring instruments were maintained
during the non-frozen soil cycle, precipitation amounts and patterns
were such that no runoff occurred during the investigation period.
51
-------
SECTION VIII
LITERATURE CITED
Aldrich, S. R. 1973. Determining application rates of livestock
wastes to the land. Proceedings of 1973 Livestock Waste Manage-
ment Conference. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association,
and Water Pollution Control Federation. 1971. Standard Methods
for the Examination of Water and Waste Water. American Public
Health Association, New York. 874 p.
Analytical Quality Control Laboratory. 1971. Methods for Chemical
Analysis of Water and Wastes, 1971. U.S. Environmental Pro-
tection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio. EPA-16020 07/71.
Anderson, F. N. and G. A. Peterson. 1973. Effects of continuous
corn (Zea mays L.), manuring, and nitrogen fertilization on
yield and protein content of the grain and on soil nitrogen
content. Agronomy Journal 65:697-700.
Ayers, A. D. and H. E. Hayward. 1948. A method for measuring the
effects of soil salinity on seed germination with observations
on several crop plants. Soil Science Society of America Pro-
ceedings 13:224-226.
Bower, C. A. and L. V. Wilcox. 1965. Soluble salts, p. 933-951.
In; C. A. Black (ed.) Methods of Soil Analysis. American
Society of Agronomy, Madison, Wisconsin.
Bremner, J. M. and D. R. Keeney. 1966. Determination and isotope-
ration analysis of different forms of nitrogen in soils: 3.
Exchangeable ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite by extraction-
distillation methods. Soil Science Society of America Pro-
ceedings 30:577-582.
Chapman, H. D. and P. F. Pratt. 1961. Methods of Analysis for Soils,
Plants and Waters. University of California, Division of Agri-
cultural Sciences, Riverside.
52
-------
Crampton, E. W. and L. A. Maynard. 1938. The relationship of cellu-
lose and lignin content to the nutritive value of animal feeds.
Journal of Nutrition 15:383.
Cross, 0. E., A. P. Mazurak, and L. Chesnin. 1971. Animal waste
utilization for pollution abatement. Transactions of the Ameri-
can Society of Agricultural Engineers 16:160-163.
Evans, S. D., P. R. Goodrich, and R. C. Hunter. 1972. Effect of
heavy applications of animal manure on corn growth and yield
and on soil properties. Division A-5. Presented at the Winter
Meeting of the American Society of Agronomy, Miami Beach, Florida.
Frye, A. L., R. W. Hansen, M. G. Petit, R. P. Martin, J. K. Matsushima,
S. M. Morrison, B. R. Sabey, J. L. Smith, J. C. Ward, and R. C.
Ward. 1972. Animal waste management with pollution control.
Annual Report of Colorado Contributing Project to NC 93. Colorado
State University, Fort Collins.
Gilbertson, C. B., T. M. McCalla, J. R. Ellis, and W. R. Woods. 1971.
Characteristics of manure accumulations removed from outdoor,
unpaved beef cattle feedlots. pp. 56-59. In; Proceedings,
International Symposium on Livestock Wastes. American Society
of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan.
Heald, W. R. 1965. Calcium and magnesium, pp. 999-1010. In;
C. A. Black (ed.) Methods of Soil Analysis. American Society
of Agronomy, Madison, Wisconsin.
Issac, R. A. and J. D. Kerber. 1971. Atomic absorption and flame
photometry: Techniques and uses in soil, plant, and water analysis.
pp. 17-37. In; L. M. Walsh (ed.) Instrumental Methods for
Analysis of Soils and Plant Tissue. Soil Science Society of
America, Madison, Wisconsin.
Jackson, M. L. 1958. Soil Chemical Analysis. Prentice-Hall Inc.,
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
Jones, J. B. 1967. Interpretation of plant analysis for several
agronomic crops, pp. 49-58. In; Soil Testing and Plant Analysis
Part II. Soil Science Society of America, Madison, Wisconsin.
Martin, N. P. 1970. Soil as an animal waste disposal medium. Journal
of Soil and Water Conservation 25:43.
Mathers, A. C. and B. A. Stewart. 1974. Corn silage yield and soil
chemical properties as affected by cattle feedlot manure. Journal
of Environmental Quality 3:143-147.
53
-------
Mathers, A. C., B. A. Stewart, J. D. Thomas, and B. J. Blair. 1972.
Effects of cattle feedlot manure on crop yields and soil con-
ditions. Texas A & M University, Agricultural Experiment Station
Research Center, College Station. Technical Report No. 11.
Murphy, L. S., G. W. Wallingford, W. L. Powers, and H. L. Manges.
1972. Effects of solid beef feedlot wastes on soil conditions
and plant growth, pp. 449-464. In: Waste Management Research,
Proceedings of the 1972 Cornell Agricultural Waste Management
Conference. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
Powers, W. L., G. W. Wallingford, L. S. Murphy, D. A. Whitney, H. L.
Manges, and H. E. Jones. 1974. Guidelines for applying beef
feedlot manure to fields. Kansas State University. Manhattan.
Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin C-502.
Reddell, D. L., R. C. Egg, and V. L. Smith. 1974. Chemical changes
in soils used for beef manure disposal. Paper No. 74-4060.
Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Agri-
cultural Engineers, Chicago, Illinois.
Salter, R. M. and C. J. Schollenberger. 1939. Farm manure. Ohio
State University, Agricultural Experiment Station, Wooster.
Bulletin No. 605.
U.S. Salinity Laboratory. 1954. Methods for soil characterization.
pp. 83-126. In: L. A. Richards (ed.) Agricultural Handbook
No. 60. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, B.C.
Vitosh, M. L., J. F. Davis, and B. D. Knezek. 1972. Long-term effects
of fertilizer, manure, and plowing depth on corn. Michigan State
University, Agricultural Experiment Station, Lansing. Research
Report No. 198.
54
-------
SECTION IX
GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS
Al - Chemical symbol for aluminum
B - Chemical symbol for boron
bu/a - Bushels per acre
C - Symbol for centigrade temperature
Ca - Chemical symbol for calcium
Cl - Chemical symbol for chlorine
cm - Centimeter
Cu - Chemical symbol for copper
EC - Electrical conductivity expressed in micromhos/cm
ft - Foot or feet
g - Gram
H - High as used to indicate salt level (0.50% - 0.75%)
hl/ha - Hectoliters per hectare
in - Inch
K - Chemical symbol for potassium
kg - kilograms
km/hr - Kilometers per hour
L - Low as used to indicate salt level (0.0% - 0.25%)
55
-------
Ib - Pound
m - Meter
meq - Milliequivalents
Mg - Chemical symbol for magnesium
Mn - Chemical symbol for manganese
Mo - Chemical symbol for molybdenum
MPN - Most probable number
MT/ha - Metric tons per hectare
N - Chemical symbol for nitrogen
Na - Chemical symbol for sodium
OM - Organic matter
P - Chemical symbol for phosphorus
ppm - Parts per million
S - Chemical symbol for sulfur
Sr - Chemical symbol for strontium
T - Trace
t/a - Tons per acre
ymhos - Micromhos
WS - Water soluble
Zn - Chemical symbol for zinc
56
-------
SECTION X
APPENDIX
57
-------
Table Al. WASTE ANALYSES FOR SEPTEMBER 1973
Salt added
to the
ration
%
0.00
0.25
0.50
0.75
Environment
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Pen
No.
4
9
6
13
1
12
7
16
2
10
8
15
3
11
5
14
Ca
1.23
1.23
1.31
1.28
1.35
1.29
1.16
1.26
1.43
1.42
1.43
1.19
1.26
1.15
1.27
1.20
Mg
0.75
0.72
0.65
0.68
0.74
0.69
0.72
0.68
0.77
0.75
0.79
0.65
0.70
0.73
0.70
0.67
Na
%.
0.51
0.48
0.41
0.40
0.80
0.83
0.80
0.76
1.15
1.52
1.19
1.10
1.81
1.63
1.44
1.57
K
2.83
3.02
2.27
2.61
2.68
2.50
2.68
2.61
2.84
3.08
2.73
2.45
2.84
2.91
2.63
2.75
Total of
cations
5.32
5.45
4.64
4.97
5.57
5.31
5.36
5.31
6.19
6.77
6.14
5.39
6.61
6.42
6.04
6.19
58
-------
Table A2. WASTE ANALYSES FOR OCTOBER 1973
Salt added
to the
ration
%
0.00
0.25
0.50
0.75
Environment
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Pen
No.
4
9
6
13
1
12
7
16
2
10
8
15
3
11
5
14
Ca
0.76
0.79
0.76
0.91
0.98
0.86
1.00
0.86
0.82
0.84
0.81
0.77
0.92
0.81
0.76
0.80
Mg
0.72
0.66
0.77
0.89
0.80
0.77
0.88
0.74
0.77
0.75
0.79
0.73
0.79
0.72
0.74
0.76
Na
0.30
0.18
0.24
0.20
0.51
0.64
0.42
0.39
0.82
0.70
0.69
0.55
0.96
0.88
0.84
0.78
Total of
K cations
3.44
2.62
3.76
3.37
3.75
3.84
4.08
3.66
4.02
3.86
3.73
3.05
3.46
3.39
3.30
3.79
5.22
4.25
5.53
5.37
6.04
6.11
6.38
5.65
6.43
6.15
6.02
5.10
6.13
5,80
5.64
6.13
59
-------
Table A3. WASTE ANALYSES FOR DECEMBER 1973
Salt added
to the
ration
%
0.00
0.25
0.50
0.75
Environment
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Pen
No.
4
9
6
13
1
12
7
16
2
10
8
15
3
11
5
14
Ca
0.77
0.82
0.74
0.66
0.75
0.72
0.66
0.62
0.75
0.79
0.61
0.65
0.76
0.71
0.63
0.61
Mg
0.72
0.79
0.79
0.75
0.74
0.73
0.67
0.71
0.72
0.78
0.72
0.70
0.73
0.76
0.70
0.73
Na
%_
0.25
0.25
0.23
0.15
0.44
0.75
0.32
0.50
0.93
1.08
0.68
0.73
1.55
1.56
0.70
1.21
K
3.62
3.87
4.01
3.43
3.43
3.98
3.47
3.44
3.67
4.06
4.39
3.47
3.98
4.27
3.32
4.19
Total of
cations
5.36
5.73
5.77
4.99
5.36
6.18
5.12
5.27
6.07
6.71
6.40
5.55
7.02
7.30
5.35
6.74
60
-------
Table A4. WASTE ANALYSES FOR FEBRUARY 1974
Salt added
to the
ration
%
0.00
0.25
0.50
0.75
Environment
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Pen
No.
4
9
6
13
1
12
7
16
2
10
8
15
3
11
5
14
Ca
1.45
1.37
1.42
1.34
1.44
1.64
1.24
1.36
1.49
1.49
1.55
1.25
1.27
1.62
1.35
1.25
Mg
0.77
0.76
0.68
0.72
0.73
0.76
0.73
0.71
0.76
0.76
0.76
0.67
0.69
0.77
0.69
0.67
Na
0.51
0.47
0.43
0.39
0.81
0.96
0.78
0.76
1.18
0.47
1.19
1.11
1.59
1.54
1.37
1.50
Total of
K cations
2.96
3.03
2.50
2.67
2.72
2.84
2.81
2.65
2.90
3.03
2.78
2.54
2.78
2.81
3.64
2.75
5.69
5.63
5.03
5.12
5.70
6.20
5.56
5.48
6.33
5.75
6.28
5.57
6.33
6.74
7.05
6.17
61
-------
Table A5. WASTE ANALYSES FOR MARCH 1974
Salt added
to the
ration
%
0.00
0.25
0.50
0.75
Environment
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Pen
No.
4
9
6
13
1
12
7
16
2
10
8
15
3
11
5
14
Ca
1.30
1.26
1.39
1.38
1.41
1.32
1.24
1.34
1.37
1.58
1.48
1.19
1.26
1.14
1.22
1.24
Mg
0.79
0.74
0.69
0.74
0.77
0.71
0.77
0.72
0.73
0.83
0.81
0.65
0.71
0.72
0.70
0.69
Na
%_
0.54
0.49
0.43
0.43
0.83
0.85
0.86
0.80
1.10
1.69
1.23
1.10
1.81
1.62
1.39
1.62
K
2.99
3.10
2.42
2.81
2.81
2.57
2.86
2.77
2.70
3.44
2.82
2.46
2.84
2.90
2.54
2.85
Total of
cations
5.62
5.59
4.93
5.36
5.82
5.45
5.73
5.63
5.90
7.54
6.34
5.40
6.62
6.38
5.85
6.40
62
-------
Table A6. WASTE ANALYSES FOR APRIL 1974
Salt added
to the
ration
%
0.00
0.25
0.50
0.75
Environment
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Pen
No.
4
9
6
13
1
12
7
16
2
10
8
15
3
11
5
14
Ca
1.65
1.49
1.32
1.29
1.57
1.57
1.25
1.18
1.46
1.64
1.29
1.20
1.56
1.49
1.42
1.23
Mg
0.80
0.83
0.71
0.77
0.84
0.85
0.78
0.76
0.81
0.87
0.78
0.75
0.81
0.80
0.74
0.72
Na
°L
0.80
0.60
0.55
0.51
1.00
1.00
0.72
1.26
1.40
1.46
1.25
1.21
1.75
1.69
1.56
1.50
Total of
K cations
3.49
3.48
3.12
3.22
3.47
3.16
3.05
3.19
3.40
3.28
3.20
3.12
3.31
3.09
3.22
3.12
6.74
6.40
5.70
5.79
6.88
6.58
5,80
6.39
7.07
7.25
6.52
6.28
7.43
7.07
6.94
6.57
63
-------
Table A7. AVERAGE WASTE ANALYSES FOR ALL SIX COLLECTION DATES
Salt added
to the
ration
%
0.00
0.25
0.50
0.75
Environment
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Covered
Covered
Open
Open
Pen
No.
4
9
6
13
1
12
7
16
2
10
8
15
3
11
5
14
Ca
1.19
1.16
1.16
1.14
1.25
1.23
1.09
1.10
1.22
1.29
1.20
1.04
1.17
1.15
1.11
1.06
Mg
0.76
0.75
0.76
0.76
0.77
0.75
0.76
0.72
0.76
0.79
0.78
0.69
0.74
0.75
0.71
0.71
Na
7
0.49
0.41
0.38
0.35
0.73
0.84
0.65
0.75
1.10
1.15
1.04
0.97
1.58
1.49
1.22
1.36
K
3.22
3.19
3.01
3.02
3.14
3.15
3.16
3.05
3.26
3.46
3.28
2.85
3.20
3.23
3.11
3.24
Total of
cations
5.66
5.51
5.31
5.27
5.89
5.97
5.66
5.62
6.34
6.69
6.30
5.55
6.69
6.62
6.15
6.37
64
-------
Table A8. LEAF ANALYSIS RESULTS FOR LEAVES SAMPLED AT SILKING3
Proposed
rate,
(MT/ha.) Salt
(t/a.) treatment
Check
44.8 Low
(20)
High
89.6 Low
(40)
High
134 . 4 Low
(60)
High
Replicatioi
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
N
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
3.
2.
3.
2.
2.
2.
2.
3.
2.
3.
3.
3.
2.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
2.
2.
3.
3.
3.
b
37
69
86
87
86
05
93
05
71
82
77
91
16
88
06
11
02
99
08
13
38
22
17
95
76
20
32
03
P
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
29
28
26
24
33
34
37
35
34
35
39
29
34
39
35
31
36
39
27
36
37
39
35
32
29
39
37
37
K
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
3.
2.
Ca
»/
49
82
59
54
56
35
74
77
47
81
60
46
67
99
30
37
77
87
59
48
54
78
54
56
39
70
17
32
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
71
57
47
43
54
49
51
58
44
63
54
60
48
48
51
57
46
58
43
65
53
52
41
45
60
52
47
50
Mg
0.54
0.62
0.42
0.56
0.45
0.39
0.34
0.36
0.53
0.41
0.42
0.39
0.39
0.40
0.29
0.36
0.26
0.38
0.33
0.38
0.34
0.32
0.27
0.34
0.28
0.33
0.28
0.32
Sb
0.098
0.170
0.153
0.205
0.115
0.133
0.133
0.133
0.115
0.123
0.140
0.140
0.140
0.133
0.145
0.145
0.125
0.145
0.125
0.140
0.150
0.150
0.160
0.140
0.113
0.150
0.160
0.153
65
-------
Table A8 (continued). LEAF ANALYSES RESULTS FOR
LEAVES SAMPLED AT SILKING3
Proposed
rate,
(MT/ha.) Salt
(t/a.) treatment Replication
Nb
K
Ca
Mg
179.2 Low
(80)
High
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
3.
3.
2.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
28
31
90
50
01
17
06
24
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
29
37
37
35
35
37
33
35
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
.74
.73
.70
.59
.71
.50
.52
.34
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
36
49
54
49
42
41
54
46
0.25
0.30
0.39
0.33
0.26
0.25
0.25
0.26
0.140
0.160
0.153
0.173
0.145
0.140
0.160
0.173
aAll Na analyses were less than 0.01%
bThe tests for these elements were performed by the Soil Testing
Laboratory at South Dakota State University
66
-------
Table A9. LEAF ANALYSIS RESULTS FOR LEAVES SAMPLED AT SILKING
Proposed
rate,
(MT/ha.)
(t/a.)
Salt
treatment
Mn Fe
T» -i j *_ j
Replication
B Cu Zn Al Sr Mo
PP
Check I 75 223 21 11 30 213 35 1.00
II 67 242 25 12 26 231 39 0.97
III 47 233 23 13 27 207 36 0.48
IV 66 188 26 11 25 165 34 0.83
44.8 Low I 152 218 21 11 31 196 34 0.81
(20) II 210 250 29 12 35 188 34 0.82
III 167 245 25 11 39 221 36 0.46
IV 104 237 24 11 24 216 32 0.55
High I 129 216 25 11 26 200 35 1.15
II 104 233 21 11 29 212 33 0.59
III 74 258 29 11 26 235 31 0.44
IV 150 218 23 11 33 179 34 0.44
89-6 LOW I 127 232 21 11 32 193 36 0.49
II 97 236 22 11 30 212 35 0.53
III 118 250 29 11 30 216 33 0.62
IV 140 229 25 10 30 206 34 0.38
Hi8h I 189 246 26 11 37 196 31 0.38
II 137 267 24 11 33 219 36 0.52
III 91 174 29 9 23 138 36 0.42
IV 112 253 25 11 26 251 34 0.82
134.4 Low i 304 280 37 12 48 222 35 0.54
II 202 250 27 11 41 193 35 0.57
III 183 234 38 12 34 167 36 0.47
IV 112 252 25 11 27 244 31 0.47
High I 119 194 21 11 34 175 29 0.40
II 224 270 30 11 47 226 34 0.50
III 337 252 30 11 50 196 34 0.38
IV 263 282 47 12 41 205 37 0.48
67
-------
Table A9 (continued). LEAF ANALYSIS RESULTS FOR
LEAVES SAMPLED AT SILKING
Proposed
rate,
(MT/ha.)
(t/a.)
179.2
(80)
Salt
treatment
Low
Replication
I
II
Mn
Fe
B
Cu Zn
Al
Sr
Mo
Ft""
202
225
195
264
28
33
10
12
31
47
142
204
32
34
0.33
0.65
III 146 250 26 11 32 214 36 0.77
IV 141 282 25 9 35 279 32 0.42
High I 334 245 30 10 51 214 31 0.37
II 290 264 40 12 48 204 32 0.55
III 143 281 33 12 31 277 29 0.42
IV 340 248 36 8 47 208 31 0.49
68
-------
Table A10. SILAGE AND EAR CORN YIELDS
FROM WASTE DISPOSAL PLOTS
Proposed
rate,
(MT/ha.) Salt
(t/a.) treatment
Check
44.8 Low
(20)
High
89 . 6 Low
(40)
High
134.4 Low
(60)
High
15.5% moisture
Ear corn yield,
Replication (hl/ha.) (bu/a.)
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
28.22
37.10
45.88
45.66
56.88
71.93
38.51
53.42
30.24
60.06
18.58
32.20
66.48
55.00
70.96
56.84
67.71
52.84
48.68
48.76
61.50
55.04
44.46
50.06
61.90
82.68
46.38
53.02
32.44
42.65
52.73
52.48
65.38
82.68
44.26
61.40
34.76
69.03
21.36
37.01
76.42
63.22
81.56
65.34
77.83
60.74
55.96
56.05
70.69
63.27
51.11
57.54
71.15
95.04
53.31
60.94
0.0% moisture
Silage, Yield,
(MT/ha.) (t/a.)
3.99
3.76
9.27
5.64
7.77
9.16
8.18
8.78
6.81
6.52
5.87
7.68
7.39
7.46
11.36
3.94
6.54
8.02
8.31
8.58
7.97
8.09
4.41
3.45
6.18
7.75
6.52
6.27
1.78
1.68
4.14
2.52
3.47
4.09
3.65
3.92
3.04
2.91
2.62
3.43
3.30
3.33
5.07
1.76
2.92
3.58
3.71
3.83
3.56
3.61
1.97
1.54
2.76
3.46
2.91
2.80
69
-------
Table A10 (continued). SILAGE AND EAR CORN YIELDS
FROM WASTE DISPOSAL PLOTS
Proposed
rate, 15.5% moisture 0,0% moisture
(MT/ha.) Salt Ear corn yield, Silage, Yield,
(t/a.) treatment Replication (hl/ha.) (bu/a.) (MT/ha.) (t/a.)
179.2 Low I 69.41 79.78 8.47 3.78
(80) II 63.78 73.31 7.06 3.15
III 56.12 64.51 7.71 3.44
IV 59.45 68.33 7.48 3.34
High I 52.33 60.15 6.18 2.76
II 69.16 79.49 7.14 3.19
III 70.60 81.15 5.76 2.57
IV 23.46 26.96 6.41 2.86
70
-------
Table All. SOIL ANALYSES FOR PLOTS RECEIVING THE LOW SALT WASTE
AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 38.52 MT/ha. (17.25 t/a.).
Depth,
(cm)
Season (ft) Replication
Fall 1973 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Fall 1974 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
Na K,
(meq/lOOg)
0.13
0.77
0.05
0.04
0.10
0.18
0.24
0.12
1.29
0.32
0.56
0.33
0.39
0.50
0.60
0.36
0.09
0.21
0.14
0.15
1.02
0.22
0.30
0.23
0.62
0.33
0.62
0.49
0.85
0.73
0.60
0.57
0.19
0.47
0.68
0.58
0.41
0.59
0.50
0.34
0.33
0.43
0.68
0.32
0.37
0.42
0.52
0.38
0.40
1.23
0.72
1.06
0.35
0.55
0.66
0.46
0.46
0.44
0.69
0.39
0.31
0.29
0.52
0.42
EC,
(y mhos /cm)
772
650
547
760
457
1333
1134
1571
633
3304
4577
4942
4708
5946
7060
6647
2322
3532
558
3261
642
900
1953
1632
469
3994
5644
4505
5316
4843
6551
6001
71
-------
Table A12. SOIL ANALYSES FOR PLOTS RECEIVING THE HIGH SALT WASTE
AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 26.92 MT/ha. (12.02 t/a.)
Depth,
(cm)
Season (ft)
Fall 1973 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Fall 1974 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Na K,
Replication (meq/100g)
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
0.09
0.07
0.10
0.05
0.03
0.47
0.13
0.12
0.93
0.58
0.25
0.28
0.43
0.50
0.18
0.40
0.16
0.18
0.14
0.25
0.14
0.23
0.17
0.25
0.55
0.48
0.34
0.55
0.69
0.47
0.43
0.71
0.20
0.25
0.63
0.77
0.35
0.37
0.54
0.60
0.42
0.34
0.44
0.51
0.52
0.34
0.33
0.37
0.86
0.98
0.71
0.95
0.47
0.43
0.49
0.55
0.33
0.30
0.35
0.71
0.83
0.26
0.29
0.48
EC,
(ymhos/cm)
568
536
61
677
551
1021
542
875
1645
4584
3022
2822
4826
8399
2083
4873
1545
2208
651
3310
535
931
634
444
4735
4557
3810
4793
4808
7898
4768
6194
72
-------
Table A13. SOIL ANALYSES FOR PLOTS RECEIVING THE LOW SALT WASTE
AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 101.46 MT/ha. (45.30 t/a.)
Depth,
(cm)
Season (ft)
Fall 1973 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Fall 1974 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Replication
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
Na K,
(meq/100g)
0.07
0.05
0.03
0.07
0.22
0.22
0.08
0.16
0.35
0.41
0.24
0.29
0.50
0.43
0.30
0.40
0.26
0.24
0.22
0.37
0.38
0.29
0.21
0.22
0.62
0.70
0.28
0.43
0.76
0.70
0.15
0.45
0.94
1.05
0.59
0.71
0.59
0.60
0.38
0.42
0.42
0.48
0.35
0.37
0.32
0.41
0.41
0.35
1.57
1.65
1.20
2.92
0.46
0.52
0.44
0.47
0.36
0.44
0.35
0.36
0.29
0.41
0.35
0.37
EC,
(umhos/cm)
785
541
819
749
2393
2374
1625
1782
4534
4086
2947
4195
5736
5627
5010
5484
4804
3283
3910
7496
2176
1565
1268
1328
5349
5228
4824
4166
7332
6758
4245
6274
73
-------
Table A14. SOIL ANALYSES FOR PLOTS RECEIVING THE HIGH SALT WASTE
AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 85.32 MT/ha. (38.09 t/a.)
Depth,
(cm)
Season (ft)
Fall 1973 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Fall 1974 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Na K,
Replication (meq/lOOg)
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
0.06
0.04
0.04
0.02
0.14
0.16
0.27
0.09
1.75
0.39
0.10
0.23
0.28
0.40
0.18
0.26
0.49
0.23
0.36
0.35
0.23
0.26
0.23
0.17
0.62
0.45
0.36
0.32
0.80
0.53
0.38
0.44
0.88
0.90
0.68
0.60
0.48
0.69
0.50
0.38
0.37
0.49
0.33
0.33
0.35
0.39
0.39
0.34
2.00
1.30
1.27
1.30
0.71
0.52
0.44
0.40
0.51
0.35
0.46
0.35
0.47
0.34
0.39
0.35
EC,
(ymhos/cm)
785
541
819
749
2393
2374
1625
1782
4534
4086
2947
4195
5736
5627
5010
5484
4804
3283
3910
7496
2176
1565
1268
1328
5349
5228
4824
4166
7332
6758
4245
6274
74
-------
Table A15. SOIL ANALYSES FOR PLOTS RECEIVING THE LOW SALT WASTE
AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 135.20 MT/ha. (60.38 t/a.)
Depth,
(cm)
Season (ft) Replication
Fall 1973 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Fall 1974 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
Na K,
(meq/lOOg)
0.17
0.06
0.04
0.11
1.31
0.36
0.27
0.27
0.39
0.43
0.46
0.44
0.43
0.36
0.43
0.61
0.37
0.21
0.36
0.59
0.31
0.22
0.22
0.25
0.52
0.53
0.30
0.40
0.74
0.60
0.42
0.46
0.69
1.04
0.72
0.77
0.39
0.62
0.58
0.55
0.42
0.56
0.60
0.37
0.33
0.32
0.49
0.41
3.02
1.49
2.26
3.09
0.68
0.71
0.56
0.48
0.42
0.49
0.41
0.33
0.31
0.29
0.33
0.41
EC,
(umhos/cm)
438
879
618
800
1034
1629
1388
3085
5339
4881
5802
5724
6218
3149
6982
6467
7551
3953
5535
6503
1360
896
1489
2305
4665
5397
4656
5088
6238
5708
5617
5845
75
-------
Table A16. SOIL ANALYSES FOR PLOTS RECEIVING THE HIGH SALT WASTE
AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 119.70 MT/ha. (53.44 t/a.)
Depth,
(cm)
Season (ft)
Fall 1973 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Fall 1974 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Na K,
Replication (meq/100g)
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
0.05
0.06
0.05
0.07
0.14
0.58
0.14
0.12
0.21
0.20
0.35
0.24
0.51
0.46
0.50
0.31
0.59
0.52
0.57
0.48
0.11
0.21
0.25
0.18
0.34
0.64
0.45
0.24
0.78
0.70
0.81
0.33
0.55
1.12
0.68
0.73
0.29
0.47
0.61
0.56
0.37
0.41
0.69
0.46
0.31
0.51
0.54
0.31
2.07
1.41
1.79
1.76
0.38
0.47
0.58
0.47
0.37
0.29
0.75
0.32
0.36
0.29
0.76
0.35
EC,
(pmhos/cm)
514
625
764
1050
456
955
615
1769
783
2392
1846
5049
3606
5438
5122
6103
5357
5302
5466
5700
773
3324
768
1978
2516
5420
4559
4290
4689
7359
5851
4999
76
-------
Table A17. SOIL ANALYSES FOR PLOTS RECEIVING THE LOW SALT WASTE
AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 169.55 MT/ha. (75.70 t/a.)
Depth,
(cm)
Season (ft) Replication
Fall 1973 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Fall 1974 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
Na K,
(meq/lOOg)
0.05
0.09
0.10
0.09
0.11
0.41
0.26
0.55
0.28
0.57
0.33
0.47
0.51
1.22
0.43
0.39
0.31
0.43
0.36
0.23
0.24
0.33
0.45
0.34
0.36
0.49
0.48
0.38
0.60
1.68
0.60
0.18
0.93
0.92
0.77
0.74
0.66
0.64
0.52
0.58
0.52
0.37
0.32
0.42
0.36
0.35
0.31
0.41
2.38
2.53
1.90
1.89
0.80
0.50
0.55
0.47
0.53
0.39
0.33
0.30
0.38
0.30
0.38
0.30
EC,
(ymhos/cm)
549
1472
613
1058
1000
4955
2229
3024
4491
6261
6180
8305
6567
3366
5839
7574
3830
5414
4871
5496
1111
2459
2414
3170
4172
5072
4726
5845
6328
6224
6095
6585
77
-------
Table A18. SOIL ANALYSES FOR PLOTS RECEIVING THE HIGH SALT WASTE
AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 172.69 MT/ha. (77.10 t/a.)
Depth,
(cm)
Season (ft)
Fall 1973 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Fall 1974 0-30.5
(0-1)
30.5-61.0
(1-2)
61.0-91.4
(2-3)
91.4-152.4
(3-5)
Na K,
Replication (meq/lOOg)
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
0.05
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.25
0.16
0.22
0.27
0.68
0.49
0.25
0.29
0.57
0.48
0.33
0.30
0.58
0.48
0.74
0.46
0.31
0.27
0.20
0.28
0.59
0.35
0.34
0.44
0.62
0.45
0.40
0.34
0.76
0.79
0.58
0.70
0.48
0.68
0.33
0.49
0.72
0.36
0.34
0.26
0.37
0.33
0.36
0.32
2.15
1.99
2.09
1.50
0.78
0.83
0.37
0.54
0.61
0.54
0.37
0.36
0.38
0.42
0.34
0.35
EC,
(pmhos/cm)
547
461
1688
625
1024
1580
2398
2358
4897
5028
3157
5908
8334
6045
4142
5783
5855
6511
6517
5183
1288
1288
1782
3238
4925
4446
3137
5785
7086
4966
4408
6666
78
-------
Table A19. MEAN VALUES FOR EXCHANGEABLE Na, K, AND EC
FOR THE MAIN EFFECTS
Season
Fall 1973
Fall 1974
Na,
(meq/lOOg)
0.09
0.35
K,
(meq/lOOg)
0.71
1.67
EC
(ymhos/cm)
720
4430
Waste rate
Proposed
rate,
(MT/ha.)(t/a.)
44.8 (20)
89.6 (40)
134.4 (60)
179.2 (80)
Fall 1973
Fall 1974
Na
(meq/lOOg)
0.16
0.18
0.27
0.26
Salt
Na
(meq/lOOg)
0.20
0.23
K
(meq/100)
0.67
1.23
1.45
1.41
treatment
K
(meq/lOOg)
1.29
1.09
EC
(ymhos/cm)
1372
2566
3193
3168
EC
(ymhos/cm)
2636
2513
79
-------
Table A20. MEAN VALUES FOR EXCHANGEABLE Na, EXCHANGEABLE K
AND EC FOR THE SEASON BY WASTE RATE INTERACTION
Proposed ~~ ~~
rate,
(MT/ha.) Na, K, EC,
(t/a.) Season (meq/lOOg) (meq/lOOg) (ymhos/cm)
44.8 Fall 1973 0.16 0.47 571
(20)
Fall 1974 0.16 0.86 2173
89.6 Fall 1973 0.05 0.79 718
(40)
Fall 1974 0.32 1.66 4415
134.3 Fall 1973 0.07 0.79 714
(60)
Fall 1974 0.46 2.11 5671
179.2 Fall 1973 0.07 0.77 877
(80)
Fall 1974 0.45 2.05 5460
80
-------
Table 21. MEAN VALUES FOR EXCHANGEABLE Na, EXCHANGEABLE K, AND EC
FOR THE SEASON BY SALT TREATMENT INTERACTION
Salt Na, K, EC,
Season treatment (meq/lOOg) (meq/lOOg) (ymhos/cm)
Fall 1973 Low 0.12 0.74 753
High 0.06 0.68 687
Fall 1974 Low 0.28 1.84 4520
High 0.41 1.51 4339
81
-------
Table A22. MEAN VALUES FOR EXCHANGEABLE Na, EXCHANGEABLE K, AND EC
FOR THE WASTE RATE BY SALT TREATMENT INTERACTION
Proposed
rate,
(MT/ha.) Salt Na, K, EC,
(t/a.) treatment (meq/lOOg) (meq/lOOg) (ymhos/cm)
44.8 Low 0.20 0.67 1550
(20)
High 0.13 0.67 1194
89.6 Low 0.16 1.34 2798
(40)
High 0.20 1.12 2335
134.4 Low 0.24 1.64 3285
(60)
High 0.30 1.26 3101
179.2 Low 0.21 1.51 2913
(80)
High 0.31 1.32 3423
82
-------
Table A23. MEAN VALUES FOR EXCHANGEABLE Na, EXCHANGEABLE K AND EC
FOR THE SEASON BY WASTE RATE BY SALT TREATMENT INTERACTION
Proposed
rate,
(MT/ha.)
(t/a.)
Fall 1973
Fall 1974
Salt
treatment
Na K EC,
(meq/lOOg) (ymhos/cm)
Na K, EC,
(meq/lOOg) (ymhos/cm)
44.8
(20)
89.6
(40)
134.4
(60)
179.2
(80)
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
0.25 0.48
0.08 0.46
0.06 0.82
0.04 0.76
0.10 0.80
0.06 0.77
0.08 0.84
0.06 0.71
682
460
724
713
683
745
923
830
0.15 0.85
0.18 0.88
0.27 1.86
0.36 1.47
0.38 2.46
0.54 1.76
0.33 2.18
0.56 1.93
2418
1928
4873
3956
5886
5456
4903
6016
83
-------
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
{/'lease read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
EPA-600/2-76-188
I
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Animal Waste Management in the Northern Great Plains
7. AUTHOR(S)
Maurice L. Horton
John L. Wiersma James L. Halbeisen
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
5. REPORT DATE
September 1976 (Issuing Date)
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Water Resources Institute
South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota 57006
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
1BB039
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
S-802532
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ada, Oklahoma 74820
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA-ORD
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
The effect of salt level of the ration for beef steers upon salinity of the waste
and the effects of the applied waste upon the soil and upon crop production was in-
vestigated. In addition, the study was conducted in both covered and open feedlot
pens to study the effect of shelter in a northern climate upon animal performance
and waste characteristics.
The field portion of the study included four rates of waste up to 179 MT/ha. applied
to plots 0.02 ha. in size. Detailed soil analyses were made which included salinity,
nutrients, cations, and the dispersion hazard as indicated by the level of exchange-
able sodium.
The levels of salt used in the ration appeared to have little or no effect on animal
performance; however, the salinity and sodium levels of the waste were directly af-
fected. The salinity level of the surface 30 cm of soil where high rates of waste
were applied was sufficiently high to affect the growth of corn. The lack of leach-
ing water caused a maximum effect of the applied waste in the surface layer.
7.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. COS AT I Field/Group
Soil analysis
Disposal
Wastes
Saline soil
Soil properties
Soil disposal fields
Application rates
Waste composition
Corn yields
Climatic factors
Crop production
2A
8. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release unlimited
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
UNCLASSIFIED
21. NO. OF PAGES
94
20. SECURITY CLASS (Thispage)
UNCLASSIFIED
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
84
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1975-657-695/6)17 Region No. 5-||
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