EPA-660/2-75-015
JUNE 1975
Environmental Protection Technology Series
Pollution Abatement from Cattle
Feedlots in Northeastern Colorado
and Nebraska
National Environmental Research Center
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Corvallis. Oregon 97330
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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 STUDIES 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.
EPA REVIEW NOTICE
This report has been reviewed by the Office of Research and
Development, EPA, and approved for publication. Approval does
not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and
policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention
of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.
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y
EPA-660/2-75-015
JUNE 1975
POLLUTION ABATEMENT FROM CATTLE FEEDLOTS
IN NORTHEASTERN COLORADO AND NEBRASKA
By
L. K. Porter
F. G. Viets, Jr.
T. M. McCalla
L. F. Elliott
F. A. Norstadt
H. R. Duke
N. P. Swanson
L. N. Mielke
G. L. Hutchinson
A. R. Mosier
G. E. Schuman
U. S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
Grant EPA-IAG-D4-0446
Program Element 1BB039
21 BEQ/012
Project Officers
Mr. Lynn R. Shuyler
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Ada, Oklahoma 74820
Dr. C. E. Evans
Agricultural Research Service
U. S. Department of Agriculture
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CORVALLIS, OREGON 97330
For Sale by the National Technical Information Service,
U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22151
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ABSTRACT
Climatic factors, feedlot runoff, and organic material in the
runoff were evaluated in experimental and commercial feedlots. The
effects of slope, stocking rates, terraces, basins, and holding
ponds were evaluated to obtain the best controls for containing runoff.
In eastern Nebraska, 70 cm annual precipitation produces 23 cm of
runoff; whereas, in northeastern Colorado, 37 cm annual precipitation
gives only 5.5 cm of runoff. Large applications of runoff liquid, up
to 91 cm on grass-Ladino and 76 cm on corn, in Nebraska did not de-
crease yields; however, in northeastern Colorado, the concentrated
high-salt runoff required dilution before direct application to crops.
The organic manure-soil interface severely restricts the movement of
water, nitrates, organic substances, and air into the soil beneath
feedlots. The amounts of NOs-N in soil cores taken from Nebraska
feedlots and croplands ranked as follows: abandoned feedlots > feed-
lot cropland > upland feedlots > river valley feedlots > manure
mounds > alfalfa > grassland. Feedlots contribute Nti^t amines, car-
bonyl sulfide, ^S, and other unidentified substances to the atmos-
phere. Ammonia and amine can be scavenged from the air by green
plants and water bodies. Anaerobic conditions in feedlots are con-
ducive to the production of carbonyl sulfide, H2S, and amines.
Management practices, such as good drainage, that enhance aeration
will decrease the evolution of these compounds.
ii
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CONTENTS
Sections
I Introduction 1
II Summary 2
III Conclusions 4
IV Recommendations 8
V Descriptions of Field Sites, Special facilities, 13
and Methods
VI Composition and Amount of Runoff Including Relation 26
To Climatic Variables, Slope, Stocking Density,
Site, Site Codification
VII Disposal of Runoff 39
VIII Composition of Soil Solution and Soil Atmosphere 56
Beneath Feedlots
IX Investigations on Methods of Extraction of Nitrate 81
From the Soil Profiles of Abandoned Feedlots
X Airborne Pollutants 84
XI References 106
XII List of Publications 111
iii
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FIGURES
No. Page
1 Caisson Before Installation in the Soil 14
2 Installed Suction Cup Assemblies and Gas Samplers 15
3 Vacuum Lysimeter Ready to be Lowered into Position 20
Near Center of Flat (Anderson) Feedlot
4 Sloping (Ashlind) Feedlot Immediately Following 22
6.6 cm of Rainfall, June 1970. Note Diversion
Dike in Left Center of Photo and Extremely Viscous
Liquid Draining Toward Flume in Immediate Foreground
5 Access Tunnel, Experimental Feedlot, Prior to Back- 24
fill and Completion of Feeding Apron
6 Design of Experimental Feedlot and Arrangement of 25
Soil Fill (1—clay loam, 2—sand, 3—clay loam over
sand, and 4—sand over clay loam) in Pits
7 Rainfall, Runoff, and NH^-N and N03-N Concentrations 28
in Runoff, Sloping Cattle Feedlot, Gretna, Nebraska,
April 18, 1970
8 Rainfall, Runoff, and NH^-N and N03-N Concentrations 29
in Runoff, Sloping Cattle Feedlot, Gretna, Nebraska,
April 19, 1970
9 Rainfall, Runoff, and NH^-N and N03-N Concentrations 30
in Runoff, Sloping Cattle Feedlot, Gretna, Nebraska,
September 23, 1970
10 Precipitation-Runoff Relationship for Sloping 36
(Ashlind) Feedlot
11 Average N03-N Levels in the Soil Solution Extracted 60
from the Broad-basin Terraced Feedlot at Increments
of Depth and Time, Springfield, Nebraska, 1970-1971
12 Average N03-N Levels in the Soil Solution Extracted 61
from the Broad-basin Terraced Feedlot at Increments
of Depth and Time, Springfield, Nebraska, 1970-1971
iv
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13 Average Soil-Gas Composition from 1 to 10 ft Beneath 62
the Basin, Broad-basin Terraced Feedlot, Springfield,
Nebraska, 1970-1971
14 Water Content Profile Near Center of Lot at Sloping 71
Site
15 Average Nitrate Distribution Values in the Profiles 78
of Sloping-upland, Flat Manure Mounds, and Abandoned
Feedlots
16 Experimental Plot Layout on Abandoned Feedlot 82
17 Distillable N Absorption from the Air Around a Small 86
Feedlot and Adjacent Cropland at Central City, Nebraska
18 Nondistillable N Absorbed by the Trapping Solution 88
at Central City, Nebraska
19 Distillable N Volatilized from Pastured Cattle and 89
Cropland Near Treynor, Iowa
20 Foliar C02 and NH3 Uptake Rates of Soybean (final 91
leaf surface area, 89 cm2)
21 NH3 Uptake Rates Predicted by Equation Ca/ra + rs 93
vs. NHs Uptake Rates Measured Experimentally. The
Diagonal Line Through The Graph Represents All
Points with Equal Coordinates.
22 Effect of Amine Concentration on C. e£&qo60/utea 97
Population Growth
23 Effect of Methyl Amine on C. etttpiotdea Amraonium-N 98
Uptake
24 Effect of Methyl Amine on C. e£U,pt>o£de,& Photo 100
synthetic 02 Production
25 Effect of Methyl Amine on C. eJttipAOJ.de.0. Respira- 101
tory 02 Consumption
26 Production of Carbonyl Sulfide (COS) and Dihydrogen 104
Sulfide (H2S) from Anaerobically Incubated Manure
and Compost
27 Gases Present Above Anaerobically Incubated Manure 105
and Compost
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TABLES
No_»_ page
1 Summary of Runoff Events from Teedlot Pen, Gretna, 27
Nebraska, 1968-1972
2 Solids Accumulations Removed from Basins of Teedlot 32
Terraces with Contributing Areas of "Varying Slope and
Slope Lengths, Omaha and Springfield, Nebraska, July 1971
3 Ranges in the Characteristics and Chemical Values of 34
Runoff from Beef Cattle Teedlots, Mead, Nebraska,
1968-1972
4 Quantity of Materials Removed in Runoff from Beef 35
Cattle Feedlot, Mead, Nebraska, 1969-1972
5 Chemical Elements in Runoff from Beef Cattle Feedlots, 37
Mead, Nebraska
6 Annual Precipitation and Runoff - Ashlind 37
7 Chemical Composition of Runoff from Feedlots near 38
Fort Collins, Colorado
8 Feedlot Effluent and Water Applications to Grass and 42
Clover Plots, Silty Clay Loam Soil, Springfield,
Nebraska, 1970-1972
9 Quantities of Solids and Nutrients Applied to Grass- 44
clover, Cockerill Feedlots, Springfield, Nebraska,
1970-1972
10 Forage Yields and Total Nitrogen Contents, Grass and 45
Contents, Grass and Clover Effluent Disposal Plots,
Springfield, Nebraska, 1971-1972 a
11 Total Quantities of Solids, Nutrients and Salts Applied 47
to Corn Plots Receiving Maximum Rates of Effluent
Application Springfield, Nebraska, 1970-72a (kg/ha)
12 Corn Grain and Stover Yields from Effluent Disposal Plots, 48
Cockerill Feedlots, Springfield, Nebraska, 1972
13 Characteristics of the Effluent and Total Quantities of 50
Nutrients and Solids Applied to -Forage Sorghum Plots in 1971
and 1972, Springfield, Nebraska
vi
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14 Forage Sorghum Yields for 1971 and 1972 (metric 51
tons dry matter/hectare)
15 Nitrate-N Contained in Torage Sorghum Harvested in 52
1971 and 1972 (ppm)
16 Average Yearly Concentrations of Some Nitrogen Compounds 56
in the Soil Solution Beneath a Teedlot and a Cropped
Field (yg/ml)
17 Average Soil Atmosphere Composition at Tarious Soil 58
Depths Beneath a Teedlot and Cropped Tield for a
1-Year Period (% by volume)
18 Nitrate and Nitrite Nitrogen and Eclectrical Conductivity 63
of Soil Solutionsa Obtained from Caissons at Ashlind
Feeders, Inc., Tort Collins, Colorado
19 Chemical Oxygen Demand, Phosphate, and pH of Soil Solutions3 64
Obtained from Caissons at Ashlind Feeders, Inc., Fort
Collins, Colorado
20 Nitrate and Nitrite Nitrogen, Electrical Conductivity, 65
Chemical Oxygen Demand, Phosphate, and pH of Water
Samples Obtained from Several Sources in the Area of
the Caissons at Ashlind Feeders, Inc., Fort Collins,
Colorado
21 Characteristics of Soil Taken from Near the Center 66
Caisson at Ashlind Feeders, Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado
22 Soil Water Tensions (Centibars) as Quarterly Averages 67
Found in the Alfalfa Caisson at Ashlind Feeders, Inc.,
Fort Collins, Colorado
23 Soil Water Tensions (Centibars) as Quarterly Averages 67
Found in the Bunk Caisson at Ashlind Feeders, Inc.,
Fort Collins, Colorado
24 Soil Water Tensions (Centibars) as Quarterly Averages 68
Found in the Center Caisson at Ashlind Feeders, Inc.,
Fort Collins, Colorado
25 Average Soil Atmosphere Composition (Percent by Volume) 68
Beneath a Cropped Field and Feedlot for Two Years3
at Ashlind Feeders, Inc., Tort Collins, Colorado
vii
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26 Chemical Composition of Leachates Obtained from 72
Vacuum Lysimeters in Feedlots Near Port Collins,
Colorado
27 Changes of Composition of Lysimeter Leachates with 72
Time from Center of Anderson Teedlot
28 Nitrate and Nitrite Nitrogen, Electrical Conductivity 74
and pH of Soil Solutions Obtained from Lysimeters of
Experimental Feedlot at Tort Collins, Colorado, Rigden
Farm, Colorado State University
29 Average Soil Atmosphere Composition (Percent by 75
Volume) of Experimental Feedlot Site
30 Average Quantity of Nutrients in a 9.1 m Profile 79
Under the Different Feedlot and Crop Management Systems
Investigated kg/ha.
31 Yields and Nitrogen Uptake of the Alfalfa and Corn on 83
an Abandoned Feedlot
32 Aliphatic Amines Identified as Feedlot Volatiles and 95
Their Concentrations Relative to Ammonia
33 Statistics Relating Algal Population to Amine Concentration 96
34 Total Distillable N and Aliphatic Amine Content of a 102
Lake Located Near a Cattle Feedlot3
viii
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Agricultural Research Service scientists express their sincere
appreciation to:
The management of Underwood Farms, Omaha, Nebraska, and to T. C. Reeves,
Central City, Nebraska, for their continued cooperation, assistance, and
access to their feedlots and premises.
William and Joyce Cockerill, Springfield, Nebraska, and Howard and
Harland Krambeck, Gretna, Nebraska, for their assistance and cooperation
with the research associated with feedlot runoff control and disposal
conducted on their farms.
Rodney Weeth, Gretna, Nebraska, for contributing a portion of an
established feedlot for the conduct of a study on abandoned feedlots.
William Krula, Rogers, Nebraska, for cooperation with a control system
requiring the use of a sump and pump to discharge runoff effluent to a
holding pond and to the Maple Creek District and Soil Conservation
Service for their contributions.
Ashlind Feeders, Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado, for their cooperation in
allowing access to their feedlots and surrounding cropland.
John A. Anderson and Son, Fort Collins, Colorado, for cooperation in
allowing access to their feedlot.
The following operators in Nebraska who permitted access to their
feedlots for purposes of obtaining soil cores:
Cuming County: Herb Albers and Son
Gail Anderson
Dave Griffin
Louis Luebbert
Marvin Prinz
Bob Schmaderer
Douglas County: Underwood Farms, Inc.
A. E. Ruser and Sons
Paul E. Pooley
Sarpy County: William R. Cockerill
James (Phil) Latham
Louis Timmerman and Sons
John Ward
Rodney Weeth
ix
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Polk County: Augustin Brothers
Personnel of the departments of Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering,
and Animal Science at University of Nebraska and Colorado State Univer-
sity, respectively, and their Agricultural Experiment Stations for their
continued assistance and consultation.
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PREFACE
This report summarizes research findings and fulfills all the re-
quirements of the Interagency Agreement EPA-IAG-D4-0446 between the U. S.
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service and the Environ-
mental Protection Agency, covering the 4^-year period ending June 30,
1974, and involving a jointly-financed research program and plan of
operation as set forth in the proposal "Pollution abatement from cattle
feedlots in Northeastern Colorado and Eastern Nebraska" submitted by Dr.
C. E. Evans, ARS, Fort Collins, Colorado, on May 9, 1969, and as amended
June 27, 1972. The overall research objectives were:
1. To determine the extent and kinds of microbial, chemical and
organic pollutants entering the atmosphere, soils, and sur-
face and underground water supplies from cattle feedlots in
two contrasting climatic zones (Northeastern Colorado with
annual precipitation of 14-15 inches and Eastern Nebraska
with annual precipitation of 27-28 inches); and
2. To evaluate different feedlot management systems as to their
effectiveness and efficiency in disposing of both liquid and
solid wastes under two different climatic conditions.
This research program was conducted under a memorandum of agreement
(Grant 13040 DPS) between the Federal Water Pollution Control Adminis-
tration (a predecessor of EPA) and ARS during Fiscal Years 1970 and 1971,
and under interagency agreements EPA-IAG-0200(D) in FY 1972, EPA-IAG-
135(D) in FY 1973, and EPA-IAG-D4-0446 in FY 1974.
Ronald R. Ritter, Kansas City, Missouri, served as Project Officer
for EPA during Fiscal Years 1970, 1971, and 1972; Lynn R. Shuyler, Ada,
Oklahoma, served as Project Officer for EPA during Fiscal Years 1973 and
1974; and C. E. Evans, Fort Collins, Colorado, served as ARS Project
Officer.
Scientists of the Agricultural Research Service who were involved
in the conduct of various phases of this research were:
Fort Collins, Colorado Lincoln, Nebraska
Francis E. Clark Lloyd F. Elliott
Harold R. Duke James R. Ellis
Howard R. Haise C. L. Linderman
Gordon L. Hutchinson Jeffery C. Lorimer
E. Gordon Kruse T. M. McCalla
Arvin R. Mosier Lloyd N. Mielke
Fred A. Norstadt G. E. Schuman
Sterling R. Olsen Norris P. Swanson
Lynn K. Porter
Frank G. Viets
xi
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SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
This report is a summary of cooperative investigations made January,
1970, through June 30, 1974, between the Agricultural Research Service
and the Nebraska and Colorado State Agricultural Experiment Stations with
the financial support of the Environmental Protection Agency. Many of
the studies have not been completed, and therefore, only progress re-
ports are given. Many parts of the investigations have been completed,
and the methodology and results are reported in the papers listed in the
List of Publications.
The research was conducted at various field sites in central and eastern
Nebraska and in northcentral Colorado and in Agricultural Research Service
Laboratories at Lincoln, Nebraska, and Fort Collins, Colorado.
THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH WERE:
(1) To determine the extent and kinds of microbial, chemical, and
organic pollutants entering the atmosphere, soils, and surface
and underground water supplies from cattle feedlots in two con-
trasting climatic zones (northeastern Colorado, with annual
precipitation of 35.6 to 38.1 cm (14 to 15 in.), and eastern
Nebraska, with annual precipitation of 68.6 to 71.1 cm (27 to
28 in.).
(2) To evaluate different feedlot management systems as to their
effectiveness and efficiency in disposing of both liquid and
solid wastes under two different climatic conditions.
Although the two areas have similar moderate temperature regimes,
markedly differing precipitation permits comparison of precipitation
differences on runoff, percolation, and profile aeration on otherwise
similar conditions. In both areas, cattle are usually fed on earth-
surfaced lots at comparable rates of stocking. The Nebraska research
sites are in the zone classed as dry by EPA, with a 25- to 75-cm
(9.8 to 29.5 in.) annual deficit of potential evaporation over pre-
cipitation. The Colorado field sites are in the semiarid zone, with
a deficit exceeding 75 cm (29.5 in.).
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SECTION II
SUMMARY
Two climatic zones (northeastern Colorado, precipitation 35.6 to 38 cm,
and eastern Nebraska, precipitation 68 to 71 cm) were selected to study
the effect of climate, feedlot animal density, feedlot design, and feed-
lot management on the extent and movement of potential air and water
pollutants from feedlots. The extent of water percolation and inorganic
and organic chemicals movement beneath feedlot soil surfaces was stud-
ied with specially constructed caissons and vacuum lysimeters. Climatic
factors were monitored with rain gages, anemometers, hydrothermographs,
evaporation pans, and maximum and minimum thermometers. Detention
basins were constructed to retain runoff and equipped with water-level
recorders to record the duration, rate, and quantity of runoff.
In eastern Nebraska, 70 cm (27 inches) of annual precipitation produces
23 cm (9 inches) of runoff, whereas in northeastern Colorado, 37 cm
(14.5 in.) annual precipitation produces only 5.5 cm (2.2 in.) of runoff.
The runoff in Colorado is highly concentrated, especially in salts,
and should not be applied directly to crops. In Nebraska, large
applications of feedlot runoff have been applied directly to crops--
up to 91 cm (36 in.) on grass-Ladino and 76 cm (30 in.) on corn--without
adverse effects. In eastern Nebraska, feedlots should be designed to
control runoff and materials that can be transported by surface water.
This can be accomplished by controlling the degree and length of slope
in feedlots and utilizing diversion terraces and debris basins. For
sloping feedlots, the degree and length of slope should not exceed by
more than three times that recommended for cropland. Terraces and
mounds can be employed to restrict length of slope and improve drainage.
Basins can be used to collect runoff from feedlots. Solid accumula-
tion in a basin should not exceed 20 cm (7.8 in) before removal.
Accumulations of feedlot solids greater than 20 cm results in long
drying times and odor problems. The organic solids in runoff effluent
effectively seal the soil surface of basins, preventing water infil-
tration .
Data collected for water percolation and movement of nitrate and
organic pollutants beneath feedlots indicate that if the feedlot is
kept continuously stocked so as to maintain an intact manure layer,
there is little likelihood of nitrate or other pollutants moving
through the soil profile to the water table. An anaerobic layer
develops at the interface of the manure and the soil. This interface
helps prevent the movement of nitrate and water. Caution should be
exercised in cleaning operations not to destroy this interface layer.
Abandoned feedlots contained more nitrate-N in their profile than
under any other conditions studied. In a 9.1-meter (29 ft) profile,
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there was 7.2 metric tons of N03-N per hectare (3.2 tons/acre). This
was almost 3.5 times the quantity of NOa-N accumulated under any other
management system. Feedlots which were abandoned and then cropped
showed some decrease in NOa-N levels. Both corn and alfalfa took up
significant amounts of nitrate from abandoned feedlots. Nitrate an-
alyses of corn plant materials showed high levels of
Beef cattle feedlots can contribute significant amounts of ammonia,
amines, and odiferous sulfur compounds to the atmosphere. Such com-
pounds are potential pollutants to water surfaces and life (plant and
animal) in the vicinity of the feedlot. Ammonia and amines were
trapped in acid. Traps, fabricated of wire mesh with a conical metal
roof and a plywood floor, were placed 1.5 m (4.9 ft) above the ground
on posts. Plastic dishes (750 ml) filled with 0.01 N_ H2SOtt were placed
inside the trap. This solution was changed every 1 to 3 weeks, depend-
ing on evaporation, and analyzed for distillable N (ammonia and short-
chained amines) . Amines and sulfur compounds were analyzed by gas
chromatography and colorimetric techniques. Significant amounts of the
basic N-compounds volatilized were aliphatic amines,
Aliphatic amines have the potential for altering metabolism and thus
could affect water ecosystems. Chemical theory and observations sug-
gested that gaseous aliphatic amines can be absorbed by water exposed
to low atmospheric concentrations of the compounds. Microorganisms
were found in lakes that degrade aliphatic amines, and during warm
weather microbial activity was sufficient to inhibit amine accumulation.
The effect of various concentrations of aliphatic amines on algal meta-
bolism was studied. Algae could not utilize amine-N for growth. Algal
photosynthesis is hindered while respiration is enhanced by methyl
amine.
Our research showed that significant amounts of NHa volatilized from
the surface of cattle feedlots and was absorbed by water, soil, and
plant surfaces in the vicinity of a feedlot. Foliar NHa absorption
occurs readily and the data suggest it plays an important role in de-
contaminating the earth's atmosphere. Calculations based on plant NH3
absorption rates showed that at normal atmospheric concentrations of
NH3, plant' canopies could absorb 20 kg N per hectare (17.8 Ib N per
acre) per year.
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SECTION III
CONCLUSIONS
COMPOSITION AND AMOUNT OF RUNOFF INCLUDING CLIMATIC VARIABLES, SLOPE,
STOCKING DENSITY, SITE, AND SITE MODIFICATION
About 5 cm (2 in.) of runoff is expected annually from feedlots in the
35-cm (.13.8 in.) precipitation area of northeastern Colorado. At the
study site, the manure pack consistently absorbed the first 1 cm C-4 in.)
of precipitation, with an average of 45 percent of the precipitation
above 1 cm leaving the lot as surface runoff. Because the studies at
Fort Collins were limited to a single site and relatively few runoff-
producing events were recorded during the study period, it is difficult
to establish, with confidence, the expected range of annual runoff. Over
the three years of record, runoff varied from less than 1 to 25 percent
of the annual precipitation, depending upon distribution and intensity of
precipitation. Above 23 cm (9 in.) of runoff is expected from the 70-cm
(27.6 in.) annual precipitation in eastern Nebraska. However, the pre-
cipitation over a period of years will vary from less than 50 cm (19.7
in.) to over 85 cm (33.5 in.) and annual runoff from a feedlot may vary
from less than 15 cm to 35 cm (5.9 to 13.8 in.). Design of control
structures should be based upon the chronic wet periods of continuing
wet weather that may be expected over a 10-year period.
Pollution by runoff transport of materials from beef cattle feedlots
can be accomplished best by: (1) control of the degree and length of
slope factor, utilizing diversions and terraces; (.2) use of debris basins
or solids traps to immediately separate readily settleable solids from
the effluent to eliminate problems of combined storage of the solids
and effluent; and (3) disposal of the solids and the effluent on
cropland.
DISPOSAL OF RUNOFF
In eastern Nebraska, feedlot runoff effluent is a highly variable, low-
grade fertilizer. However, large and frequent applications can supply
much of the nutrient needs of many crops. Annual applications up to
91 cm (35.8 in.) on grass-Ladino clover and 76 cm (29.9 in.) on corn
have not decreased and sometimes have increased yields. Good growth of
the Ladino clover, a low-salt-tolerance crop, indicates salt accumula-
tion in the soil is not a problem.
Under northeastern Colorado conditions, the infrequent and very limited
runoff is of such concentrated composition that direct application to
growing crops would not be feasible. Disposal on arable land would be
possible after sufficient dilution with irrigation water to reduce the
electrical conductivity to values acceptable for irrigation water.
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COMPOSITION OF SOIL SOLUTION AND SOIL ATMOSPHERE BENEATH FEEDLOTS
There was no marked movement of organic substances into the feedlot
as would be shown by increases in COD and PO^3". This conclusion is
in agreement with a previously published report of Mosier et al. (1).
These authors concluded that there was no uniform or continuing
movement of organic compounds from the manure pack either into sub-
jacent soil profile or through that profile into the groundwater.
Nitrate and other soluble nitrogen-containing pollutants will perco-
late only a short distance downward from the lot surface in a continu-
ously stocked feedlot. Significant percolation of water was detected
only at the flat site near Fort Collins, and then only immediately
following thorough scraping of the surface or significant drying of
the surface manure pack. Most physical characteristics of the feedlot
interface severely restrict movement of air and water into the soil.
Microbial metabolism of organic matter near the feedlot surface
further depletes the oxygen supply. This results in reduced con-
ditions in the feedlot soil profile which is favorable for denitrifi-
cation. If a new feedlot is stocked continuously, initial nitrate
buildup will decrease, presumably due to denitrifi cation. In areas
where denitrification occurs, there is usually a buildup of methane
in the soil profile beneath the feedlot. Areas of the feedlot which
do not contain methane in the profile may contain appreciable
The management of feedlots is an important consideration to the accu-
mulation of N03-N in the soil profile and care must be exercised to
leave the interface layer intact when the feedlot is cleaned. Feed-
lots should not be allowed to lie idle for long periods of time.
The N03-N content of soil profiles from abandoned feedlots, feedlot -
cropland, etc., were examined and ranked according to decreasing
average NOa~N in the soil cores: abandoned feedlots > feedlot-cropland
> upland feedlot > river-valley feedlots > manure mounds > alfalfa
grassland. Feedlots continuously stocked, under mounds, and flat
river-valley feedlots do not have problems with NOa-N accumulation
in the soil profile and would not likely contribute nitrate to the
groundwater. A feedlot site that was abandoned for feeding and
left idle for 6 years contained more than 19 metric tons (20.9 tons)
of NOa-N per hectare to a soil depth of 9 meters (9.8 yd). Another
feedlot site that was abandoned and cropped to alfalfa and corn for
about 14 years showed NOa-N content similar to cropland.
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INVESTIGATIONS ON METHODS OF EXTRACTION OF NITRATE FROM THE SOIL
PROFILES OF ABANDONED FEEDLOTS
The data collected to date indicate that growing alfalfa limited the
movement of nitrate below the root zone. Corn also reduced the nitrate
movement; however, movement below the root zone of this crop occurred.
The alfalfa forage could be used for livestock feed, whereas the ni-
trate content of the corn forage was too high to be used as a feed
unless ensiled or mixed with other feed. The alfalfa yields are much
greater than those of corn; therefore, the nitrogen removal from the
soil is greater. No salt damage was evident on the plots planted
directly in the feedlot, and therefore, the removal of the top 15 cm
(5.9 in.) of feedlot soil may not be necessary).
AIRBORNE POLLUTANTS
Feedlots and even pastured cattle can contribute distillable N to the
atmosphere. The majority of the distillable N was NH3; however, an
appreciable portion of the volatilized basic N-compounds was
aliphatic amines.
The importance of atmospheric NH3 as an agent for the transport and
redistribution of N both within and among ecosystems has been vastly
underestimated. Cattle feedlots are apparently a major source of NH3
in the atmosphere. Calculations based on the data collected indicate
that annual NH3 absorption by plant canopies growing in air containing
NHs at normal atmospheric concentrations could be about 20 kg/ha. (17.8
Ib/acre). This rate of NH3 supply is large enough to contribute sig-
nificantly to the N budget of a growing plant community and could
exert a prodigious influence on the long-term behavior of an ecosystem.
Near cattle feedlots where the atmosphere is enriched with feedlot
volatiles, foliar NH3 absorption is probably even higher. Our data
suggest an important role for green vegetation in the decontamination
of the earth's atmosphere.
A significant amount of the NH3 volatilized from the surface of cattle
feedlots is absorbed by soil and water surfaces in the vicinity of the
feedlots. The data invalidate the concept that only runoff and deep
percolation from cattle feedlots require control to prevent N enrich-
ment of the surrounding environment. Although control of runoff into
streams to prevent pollution by sediment, phosphorus, and organic
wastes justifies adequate and often expensive design of feedlot instal-
lations, N pollution can still occur.
There is a potential for aliphatic amines volatilized from feedlots
to affect water ecosystems. Chemical theory and observations sug-
gest that gaseous aliphatic amines can accumulate in water exposed to
low atmospheric concentrations of these compounds. Microorganisms
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that degrade aliphatic amines were found in lake water. Microbial
activity in water bodies which absorb amines is probably sufficient
to inhibit amine accumulation during warm temperature seasons. Winter-
time accumulation of amines may occur due to the lack of microbial
activity in cold water.
There is the possibility that individual aliphatic amines may affect
the usual spring burst of algal growth. Aliphatic amines are toxic to
Chlovel'la ell-ipeoidea at individual amine concentrations from 1.2 ppm
for methyl amine to 143 ppm for iso-propyl amine. The amines appear
to stimulate algal growth at very low concentrations. The alga could
not utilize the amines as a source of N, but amines do accelerate am-
monium assimilation by the organism. Algal photosynthesis is hindered
while respiration is enhanced by methyl amine. The amines may be
affecting C. ellipsoidea metabolism by accelerating ammonium assimila-
tion which would lead to the observed accelerated consumption of
oxygen both in the light and in the dark by the increased tricarboxy-
lic acid cycle consumption of the oxygen and would account for the
lack of decrease in ATP concentration when methyl amine was added.
Carbonyl sulfide and H2S are produced from anerobically decomposing
animal wastes. Also, observations of cattle pens and conversations
with feedlot operators indicate substantial odor reduction when saw-
dust is generously used as bedding. In a related laboratory study,
adding KNOa to incubating manure eliminated foul odors. Thus, promo-
tion of aerobic processes in feedlot management can reduce odor
problems. The simplest technique for promoting aerobic conditions is
to keep the feedlot well drained.
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SECTION IV
RECOMMENDATIONS
COMPOSITION AND AMOUNT OF RUNOFF INCLUDING RELATION TO CLIMATIC
VARIABLES, SLOPE, STOCKING DENSITY, SITE, SITE MODIFICATION
Pollution control of runoff transport of materials from beef cattle
feedlots can be accomplished best by (1) control of the degree and
length of slope factor utilizing diversions and terraces, (2) use of
debris basins or solids traps to immediately separate readily settle-
able solids from the effluent to eliminate problems of combined storage
of the solids and effluent, and (3) disposal of the solids and the
effluent on cropland after diluting the effluent, if necessary, to
reduce salt concentration.
Weather Factors in Design
It is recommended that the chronic wet periods or periods of continu-
ing wet weather that may be expected over a 10-year period be considered
in designing capacities for feedlot runoff-control systems.
Degree and Length of Slope
In the design of terraces and basins or catchments for sloping beef
cattle feedlots, the degree and length of slope factor should not be
more than three times that normally recommended for cropland in the
eastern Great Plains and Corn Belt. Long slope lengths increase
solids transport by overland flow and delay drainage.
Terraces and mounds should be employed in beef feedlots to restrict
the length of slope, to improve drainage, and to provide for animal
comfort. Terraces should not be encumbered by pen fences; this will
permit maintenance and smoothing operations in conjunction with the
removal or mounding of wastes in the feedlot.
Debris Basins
Debris basins in conjunction with feedlot terraces drain better if
constructed in elliptical rather than rectangular shape. Multiple
riser inlets in a basin should not be spaced further than 40 m
(43.8 yd) apart. Planned solids accumulation in a basin should not ex-
ceed 20 cm (7.9 inO before removal. Greater depths require longer
times to dry adequately for removal and ultimately result in poor
drainage of the basin and odor problems. In most basins, under eastern
Nebraska conditions, two removals per year will generally be adequate.
Due to variations in storm intensities and amounts and the effects of
8
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snow and snowmelts, a fixed removal schedule cannot be recommended.
Experience in eastern Nebraska has shown that required solids removal
may vary from 1 to 3 times per year.
Debris basins located within feedlots should not have side slopes
exceeding 1:4, and 1:5 is preferable. Steep slopes, particularly in
deep basins, are subject to increased soil movement, which is further
accelerated by cattle traffic. Steep basin side slopes make removal
of solids more difficult and during wet weather can become hazards for
sick or weakened animals.
Debris basins located outside of feedlots should also be designed to
permit easy removal of solids. Again, the planned depth of solids
accumulation should not exceed the 20-cm (7.9-in.) depth unless removal
can be done with a tracklaying tractor. Although outside debris basins
eliminate some problems of drainage and solids accumulation associated
with basins within the feedlot, they introduce additional areas requir-
ing maintenance and weed control. Under some conditions, flies can
breed in the solids collected in outside basins. This problem has not
been observed with basins within the feedlot. Crushing of larvae by
animal traffic is a means of insect control.
Because of the nature of the runoff from eastern Colorado feedlots,
debris basin designs were not evaluated. Runoff from these lots is
very viscous and similar in physical characteristics to the material
retained in the debris basins in eastern Nebraska. Thus, detention
facilities in eastern Colorado should be designed with primary consid-
eration for operation as slurry storage and subsequent removal of the
effluent.
Debris basins within the feedlot provide three advantages: (1) animal
traffic hastens the drying of nominal depths of collected solids;
C2) basins provide protection for animals from wind through much of
the winter; and (3} should snow removal be required in the feedlot,
basins are a logical disposal area.
Solids Removal
Operators must remember that a 10-cm (3.9-in) depth of dry organic
material in a debris basin or other area within a feedlot provides the
°nly ingredient required other than water from rain or snow to create
a slurry 20 cm (7.9 in.) or more in depth. Removal of accumulated or-
ganic materials can be accomplished most easily when these materials
are dry and in nominal depths.
Where debris basins are not used, solids traps utilizing hardware-
cloth screens (9.S cm mesh) C3.7 in.) in broad, level channels are recom-
mended for separation of readily settleable solids from the runoff.
These solids must be separated from runoff prior to storage of the
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runoff effluent in a holding pond to reduce production of odors and
eliminate deep accumulations of wet solids which cannot be removed
readily.
Holding Ponds
Sealing of the soil surface after construction of a holding pond should
not be necessary, even on a permeable soil, unless a domestic water
well is located in the immediate vicinity. The organic solids in the
runoff effluent will soon effectively seal the soil surface to con-
tinued infiltration.
Holding ponds should not be excessively large. Designs should be for
120 cm (47.2 in.) or greater depths for storage. Reducing the area
will reduce weed problems and potential salt accumulations.
To reduce odor production, runoff collected during cold or cool
weather should be removed from the holding pond prior to continuing
warm weather. Holding ponds should be exposed to maximum wind move-
ment. Feedlots should be constructed downwind from residences and not
in the prevailing wind direction from nearby residences and water bodies,
Drainage Systems
Underground plastic drainlines provide a highly satisfactory means of
discharging runoff effluent from the feedlot or a debris basin. Flow
may be by gravity or by low pressure from a pump. Such systems elimi-
nate the problems of settled solids, weed growth, and restrictions of
traffic imposed by open channels.
Corrosion-Resistant Materials
Accelerated erosion due to contact with solids collected from feedlot
runoff or the runoff effluent has not been observed. Portable aluminum
irrigation pipe and brass sprinkler heads are satisfactory for distri-
bution of effluent. Galvanized (zinc-coated) hardware cloth and penta-
treated wood can be expected to last for 5 years or more in intermittent
contact with solids collected from runoff. Pumps with cast-iron or
bronze impellers are satisfactory for pumping the effluent.
DISPOSAL OF RUNOFF
Land Disposal of Runoff
Land application of effluent from feedlot runoff is the most feasible
means of disposal in eastern Nebraska. Runoff is not a dependable
supply for irrigation, and applications of runoff effluent beyond the
water requirements of crops will be necessary for disposal in wet sea-
sons. Where irrigation is not practiced, regularly produced field
crops or grass should be grown on the disposal area.
10
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In the subhumid and semiarid areas, crops with critical-period water
requirements may fail in dry seasons. Disposal areas twice the size
of the contributing area are adequate in the eastern Great Plains and
in the Com Belt.
The high concentration of solids and salts in runoff from eastern
Colorado precludes its direct application to cropland, unless diluted
with irrigation water to reduce electrical conductivity to a satis-
factory level.
SOIL PROPERTIES UNDER FEEDLOTS
If feedlots are kept stocked continuously, there is little likelihood
that nitrate or other soluble pollutants will percolate through the
soil profile to the water table, even when it is at a very shallow
depth.
Cleaning operations are necessary to remove solid wastes, but scraping
operations should not destroy the interface layer under the manure
layer.
New feedlots should be stocked to capacity immediately and kept at
full capacity at least the first \h years.
INVESTIGATIONS ON METHODS OF EXTRACTION OF NITRATE FROM THE SOIL
PROFILES OF ABANDONED FEEDLOTS
Alfalfa can be established in an abandoned feedlot to prevent or mini-
mize the downward movement of nitrate-nitrogen. The forage produced is
safe for use for feed.
AIRBORNE POLLUTANTS
Feedlots contribute N to atmosphere principally as NHa but including
amines and other unidentified substances. Ammonia can be scavenged or
absorbed by plants, soils, and water bodies. Plants in the vicinity of
feedlots may derive a considerable portion of their nitrogen require-
ment from volatilized ammonia. Whereas, water bodies may become
eutrophic or well nourished to their N needs. Since the prevailing
wind is from west to east, it is recommended that, where possible,
feedlots be built windward or east of existing water bodies. The
toxicity of aliphatic amines to organisms that reside in the vicinity
of cattle feedlots does not appear to be an immediately acute problem.
The potential does exist for direct ill effects on organisms in an
area to occur as the cattle population density increases. The synthesis
of aliphatic amines, carbonyl sulfide, and H2S is engendered by anaero-
bic conditions in the feedlot manure pack. For feedlot odor control,
it is important that the feedlot be kept as well drained as possible.
11
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Management practices, such as using sawdust mulches, which keep the
manure pack as aerobic as possible should keep the production of
aliphatic amine, carbonyl sulfide, and H2S to a minimum.
12
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SECTION V
DESCRIPTIONS OF FIELD SITES, SPECIAL FACILITIES, AND METHODS
NEBRASKA SITES
Level Feedlot, Central City, Nebraska
A level feedlot has been under study in the Platte River valley on the
T. C. Reeves' farm, west of Central City in Merrick County, about 165
km (102 miles) west of Lincoln. The soil is a silt loam underlain
with sand and gravel and a water table that fluctuates between 60 and
305 cm (23.6 and 120 in.). The water table is lowered during irriga-
tion and recovers rapidly following heavy rainfall. Groundwater levels,
movement, and quality were measured (2, 3, 4).
Caissons were installed to a depth of 183 cm (72 in} beneath the feed-
lot surface so pollutants in the soil water and gases in the soil
profile could be studied. The caissons contained portholes so soil-
solution and soil-gas samplers could be placed at increments in the
soil profile. In this manner, in situ samples could be obtained from
the same point over long time periods. Soil-solution samples were
used to assess pollutants moving through the soil profile and soil-gas
samples were used to determine the reduction status of the soil profile.
A caisson prior to installation is shown in Figure 1 and an installed
caisson with samplers in place is shown in Figure 2. Caisson design,
installation, and sampling equipment are described in detail by Elli-
ott, McCalla, Swanson, and Viets (5).
Manure accumulated on this lot without appreciable removal for 15
years. The manure pack was 30 to 40 cm (11-8 to 15.7 in.) deep when
mounds were first built in August 1969. In late 1971, a moderate
slope was built into drainways between the three mounds in the lot,
with drainage to three sumps connected by underground lines. Runoff
collects in the central sump and is pumped underground to a holding
pond lined with polyethylene. This system has functioned well since
installation. Lack of drainage during wet weather has presented
severe problems on this lot in the past (6).
Traps containing dilute sulfuric acid were used on this site to com-
pare the NH3 contents of the air in the immediate vicinity of the
feedlot with air in surrounding cropland and to identify odor
compounds (7).
Sloping Peedlot on Deep Loess Hill, Gretna, Nebraska
A sloping feedlot with a southern exposure on a typical, deep loess
hill is being studied on the Howard Krambeck farm, north of Gretna in
13
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Figure 1. Caisson before installation in the soil
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Figure 2. Installed suction cup assemblies and gas samplers.
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western Sarpy County. Runoff from rain and snow and the movement of
organic wastes and soil were measured. Climatic factors, in addition
to rainfall, were measured to evaluate their effects on the amount of
runoff and solids transported. Solar radiation, evaporation, wind
movement and direction, soil water under the feedlot and adjacent
grassland, as well as groundwater quality and water levels were meas-
ured. A trap was installed to collect solids transported in the runoff
prior to their reaching the holding pond. A programmed, automated
sampler was used to monitor runoff quality (8).
The solids trap consisting of three, hardware-cloth screens set across
a 4.3- by 26-m (1.7- to 10.2-in.) channel retained most of the solids
before the runoff reached the holding pond. The debris trap was
cleaned periodically with a tractor-mounted, front-end loader (9).
Steep, Sloping Feedlot with a Broad-basin Terrace, Omaha, Nebraska
Broad-basin terraces have proved to be a workable method of feedlot
runoff control. A broad-basin terrace was installed on a lot with a
15% easterly slope at Underwood Farms, northwest of Omaha. The runoff
plus solids was collected in the basin. Recorders in the basin meas-
ured the amount and rate of runoff inflow. The runoff water was pumped
from the basin and applied to adjacent cropland. The solids drained
and dried sufficiently for removal with a front-end loader. The basin
had a capacity of 30 cm (11.8 in.) of runoff and did not have to be
emptied frequently (10).
Sloping Feedlot with Broad-basin Terraces, Springfield, Nebraska
Broad-basin terraces were installed on a feedlot with a southwesterly
7% slope, 183 m (200 yd) long, west of Springfield at the William
Cockerill farm. Each terrace retains runoff from an area of a differ-
ent size. This installation was equipped with runoff-recording equip-
ment, and underground plastic pipe drained the water from the terrace
basins to storage in a holding pond from which it was pumped for
application on cropland (10). Physical and chemical effects of runoff-
effluent applications on the soil and plants from Ladino clover, tall
fescue, perennial ryegrass, corn, and forage sorghum plots were
studied. Yields and nutrient content of the crops were measured.
Three caissons were installed on this site (one on the slope, one in a
basin of the feedlot, and one in an adjacent field) to monitor pollu-
tants in the soil water and gases in the soil profile to determine what
occurs under a newly established feedlot.
The terrace system on this feedlot was altered in 1973 to provide better
cattle access to feedbunks and waterers. Pen fences were moved from the
terrace crowns and riser inlets were installed near the center of the
debris basins. The outlet from the lower basin was moved from the
16
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holding pond and extended to discharge onto a leveled area of cropland.
The cropland area was surrounded by a low earthern dike to prevent
runoff.
Feedlot Located on Streambank, Coifax County, Nebraska
This site on the William Krula farm was located partially on the flood-
plain of East Fork of Maple Creek, which has a long history of serious
flooding. The installation included a dike, 3 m (3.3 yd) high, built
along the lower side of the feedlot. The top of the dike was 60 cm
(23.6 in.) above the record flood stage and kept feedlot runoff and
wastes out of Maple Creek during any storm. The basin in the feedlot
was about 150 m (164 yd) long and 15 m (16.4 yd) wide at the bottom,
with 4:1 slopes coming into it. The basin held 10 cm (3.9 in.) of run-
off plus 1.3 cm (0.5 in) of solids from the 2.63 ha.(6.5 acres)
drained in this portion of the lot. This is adequate capacity for any
24-hour storm expected in a 10-year period (11).
Runoff from the feedlot collected in the basin and drained through
three riser inlets, then through a 15-cm (5.9 in) plastic underground
line into a sump equipped with a 1/2 hp electric sump pump. The runoff
was pumped through a 7.6-cm (3-in) plastic line to a holding pond near
the lot on a higher elevation. The runoff collected in the holding
pond was spread as irrigation water on an irrigated field near the
holding pond. This water spreading was done during dry weather, util-
izing a large, plastic siphon connected to gated irrigation pipe.
This feedlot also included a broad-basin terrace with an underground
pipe discharge to the holding pond and has capacity for about 1,000
cattle.
Feedlot with a Defined Drainage Channel, Stanton County, Nebraska
This installation included a series of lots or pens on the Paul Wiemann
arm traversed by continuing drainway. Runoff from outside the
leecuot site was diverted by means of a diversion terrace. Wooden
frames, covered with hardware-cloth screens, served as debris traps
and are located at selected locations in the drainway through the lots.
Upon leaving the lots, the drainway entered a nearly level, 12- by
120-m (13 by 131 in.) debris trap, similarly equipped with such screens.
The runoff deppsted most of its solids before discharging into a drop
i^let to a holding pond for later application to an adjacent field.
This site also included a lot with a broad-basin terrace with an under-
ground discharged to the holding pond. The total capacity was in
excess of 1,000 cattle.
17
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Beef Cattle Feeding Complex, University of Nebraska Field Laboratory,
Mead, Nebraska
Specially constructed pairs of pens with 3%, 6%, and 9% slopes have been
studied at the University of Nebraska Field Laboratory. Detention ba-
sins were constructed at the lower end of each lot to retain runoff.
Each basin was equipped with a water-level recorder to record the dura-
tion, rate, and quantity of runoff. Two stocking rates were studied
simultaneously in the pairs of pens to learn the effects of animal den-
sity and surface slope on characteristics of runoff, solid wastes, and
nitrate movement on unpaved, beef feedlots.
Two systems of runoff control also have been studied at this site to
determine the pollutants and solids transported from the feedlot pens.
One system collected the runoff and solids from a runoff event; the
effluent was drained off after the solids settled. The second system
utilized rock-filled dams in a nearly level channel to retain the
solids and permit drainage of the runoff effluent to a holding pond.
Abandoned Feedlot Study, Gretna, Nebraska
To study the pollution potential of abandoned feedlots, an active feed-
lot was selected and a portion of it abandoned. The site, on the
Rodney Weeth farm, was on an upland slope on typical, deep loess soil,
just south of Gretna, in western Sarpy County, The area is being
cropped with alfalfa and corn to remove nitrogen from the soil pro-
file and to attempt prevention of downward movement of nitrate.
Core Drilling Study of Nebraska Beef Cattle Feedlots
Fifteen feedlot sites in four eastern Nebraska counties were selected
for this study. The sites were located in Cuming, Douglas, Sarpy,
and Polk counties, where large numbers of cattle are fed in confined
feedlots. One or more sites were used to evaluate each of the effects
of feedlot age, management, soil texture, and topography on the nu-
trient status of the soil profile and groundwater. Six feedlots were
located in the Elkhorn River Basin, five in the Platte River Basin, and
four in the Papio Creek Basin. Two of the Platte River Basin sites
were on the floodplain. One hundred and three cores were taken from
feedlots, 22 from cropland, and 4 from cropland-cattle-use areas.
Management considerations included stocking rate, manure-scraping, and
mounding practices. Age of feedlots sampled ranged from a few
weeks to more than 50 years, with the soil textures ranging from clay
to coarse sand. Cropland and grassland areas were cored adjacent to
feedlots for comparisons.
Soil samples were taken with a mobdle, truck-mounted, coring rig. On
most core locations, 5.1-cm C2-inJ diameter, 122-cm (48-in} long cores
18
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were taken through the profile, using hydraulic pressure. In dense
and sandy soils, a driving hammer and a 3.5-cm (1 3/8-in} split-tube
sampler were used. Each core was divided into 30.5-cm (12-in}
sections. Alternate sections were placed in a plastic bag, sealed,
and frozen immediately with dry ice. These samples remained frozen
until chemical analyses were performed. The other sections of the
core were placed in a bag and retained for physical determinations.
Percent moisture by weight (Pw) was determined on each sample. Soil
texture was estimated by feel at the sample site; where there was a
sharp textural change, samples were taken from above and below the
transition. Random comparisons were made of the texture estimates
made in the field with those obtained by the standard hydrometer
method.
Oxidation reduction potential (Eh) measurements were taken immediately
after cores were removed from the sampling tube. A platinum and refer-
ence electrode was pushed into the sample, and the reading taken 60
seconds later was corrected to the standard hydrogen electrode.
If groundwater was reached, water samples were obtained. A small,
hand-vacuum pump was used whenever possible; however, on deeper sam-
ples a tube sampler 60 cm (23.6 inO long with check valve was used.
Some water samples were obtained by pouring off the water trapped in
the sampler above the soil core.
Specific profiles were selected from which samples were chosen to
characterize the bulk density and the percent water at I/10-, 1/3-,
and 15-bar suctions by standard procedures. The clod method was used
to determine bulk density.
COLORADO SITES
Level Feedlot CAnderson) and Sloping feedlot (Ashlind), Ft. Collins,
Colorado
Two commercial feedlot sites near Fort Collins were selected for hy-
drologic evaluation. The flat site (Anderson) is on very permeable
s°il immediately adjacent to the Cache la Poudre River, about 5 km
(3 miles) east of Ft. Collins, and was selected for its potential
for groundwater pollution. The second (Ashlind) site, about 7.5 km
(4.5 miles) northeast of Ft. Collins, is constructed on a deep, fine-
textured soil with a uniform slope of 6% and represents a typical
feedlot for the area having potential for surface water pollution.
The flat feedlot is 0.2 ha.(.5 acre) in size and is normally stocked
with 70 head of cattle. A climatic station, including standard and
recording rain gages, anemometer, hygrothermograph, standard class A
evaporation pan, and maximum and minimum thermometers, was installed
near this feedlot. Three vacuum lysimeters (12) (see Figure 3) were
19
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Figure 3. Vacuum lysimeter ready to be lowered into position
near center of flat (Anderson) feedlot.
20
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installed to determine the quantity and quality of percolate moving
through the soil profile. One lysimeter was installed immediately
behind the concrete feedbunk apron where the soil was continually
moist from animal excretion. A second lysimeter was placed in the
normally dry center of the lot, with the third at an intermediate
position. The cobble subsoil precluded installation of access tubes
for neutron soil water measurements.
During the years 1969 and 1970, the animal drinking water was measured
directly with a domestic water meter, but then a change in water source
and attendant trash problems rendered the meter inoperative. Subse-
quent drinking water consumption was calculated from the number of
animals in the lot and earlier measured consumption for a comparable
time of year.
The sloping (Ashlind) lot covers 0.4 ha. (1 acre) and is normally
stocked with about 225 head of cattle. This site was equipped with
three vacuum lysimeters as in the flat lot. After 2 years of opera-
tion, no detectable movement of percolate had been measured, and
further operation of the lysimeters was discontinued. Six tubes for
neutron measurement of soil water were located randomly through the
lot to further delineate changes in soil water content. A diversion
dike constructed near the lower end of the lot (Figure 4) diverted
surface runoff through a recorder-equipped flume for quantitative
measurement. A pump sampler was provided to collect periodic sam-
ples during each runoff event. However, as apparent from Figure 4,
the surface water leaving the feedlot during a runoff event was very
heavily sediment laden. This heavy sediment concentration made it
impossible to collect samples by pumping; therefore, only periodic
grab samples were available for chemical analysis.
Because of the proximity of the two sites (5.8 km or 3.6 miles), only
the standard and recording rain gages were installed for climato-
logical measurements at the Ashlind site.
Caissons at Ashlind Feeders, Inc.
A nearly level feedlot pen located downslope from the vacuum lysimeter
installation at Ashlind Feeders, Inc., along with a nearby alfalfa
field, was selected in December, 1970, for installation of three
steel-cased caissons similar to those already described. One caisson
was instal-led near the feedbunk, the lowest elevation in the pen, and
the other near the center at the highest elevation. The third cais-
son in the nearby alfalfa field served as cropped field comparison.
The caissons were instrumented in 1971 to collect data on soil tem-
peratures, soil water tension, soil gases, and soil solutions. All
three caissons were placed deep enough to reach the water table or
well within the capillary fringe of the water table, 3.7 to 4.3
meters (12 to 14.1 ft).
21
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Figure 4. Sloping (Ashlind) feedlot immediately following 6.6 cm
of rainfall, June 1970. Note diversion dike in left
center of photo and extremely viscous liquid draining
toward flume in immediate foreground.
22
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Experimental Percolation Feedlot, Colorado State University, Fort
Collins
Observations of the Ashlind and Anderson feedlots led to the develop-
ment in late 1971 of plans for a major research facility for evaluating
effects of feedlot management on percolation of pollutants. It was
hypothesized that manure pack management could reduce the quantity and
concentration of pollutants in percolating soil water. To test the
hypothesis, a research feedlot was constructed at the Colorado State
University Animal Research Center, 7.5 km (4.7 miles) southeast of Ft.
Collins. The research feedlot, with 30-head capacity, is 15.2 by 22.9
meters (16.6 yd by 25 yd) in area. Two underground tunnels were con-
structed, one under the feeding apron, the second near the center of
the lot, to provide access to the soil profile beneath the feedlot.
Figure 5 illustrates the tunnel under the feeding apron during con-
struction.
Eight artificial soil profiles have been constructed downslope from
each of the two tunnels. Each of these profiles was placed in a pit,
1.2m by 2.4m by 1.8m deep (3.9 ft by 7.9 ft by 5.9 ft), excavated
adjacent to the tunnels. These pits were lined with a continuous
sheet of butyl rubber to assure capture of all percolating water.
Each pit is provided with gravity drains, which allow maintenance of
the water table at any depth to 183 cm (72.1 in} below the soil sur-
face. Porous ceramic drains are also provided to allow removal of
percolate at sub-atmospheric pressure, thereby simulating a water
table depth down to 7.6 m (24.9 ft).
Four soil profiles replicated four times are shown in Figure 6. The
plots upslope from Unit B have not been installed although access
holes have been provided through the tunnel walls to allow future in-
stallation of these additional plots. The uniform sand profile will
be sufficiently aerated to maintain aerobic conditions throughout.
The clay loam will be irrigated if necessary to maintain an anaerobic
profile. The clay/sand profile is intended to maintain the upper
layer anaerobic and the deeper layer aerobic. The sand/clay profile
is intended to provide nitrification in the upper aerobic layer with
subsequent denitrification as water moves into the anaerobic zone
beneath.
Each of these test plots is provided with either gravity or vacuum
drainage to provide the degree of aeration mentioned above. Tensio-
meters throughout the profile will be used to indicate soil water
status (thereby inferring degree of aeration). Gas and water samples
collected at various depths will be analyzed to determine the chemical
changes as the water moves through the profile.
23
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Figure 5. Access tunnel, experimental feedlot, prior to
backfill and completion of feeding apron.
24
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S w
0 I
T3 -
C -O
•P 10
O
T3 H>
0> O
rH Co
Cti O
•H t-H
h o
0) I
93
(0
bO
25
-------
SECTION VI
COMPOSITION AND AMOUNT OF RUNOFF INCLUDING RELATION TO
CLIMATIC VARIABLES, SLOPE, STOCKING DENSITY, SITE, SITE MODIFICATION
NEBRASKA
Amount of Runoff
The feedlot at Gretna has a single pen isolated for runoff measurement.
This pen, approximately 37 m 0*0.5 yd) wide with a 91-m (100 /d) slope
length and a 6% slope, has a southern exposure. From July, 1968,
through December, 1972, precipitation totaled 314 cm (123.7 in} and
occurred on 323 days. There were 89 runoff events and 104 cm (113.8
in,) of runoff (Table 1). It is estimated that about 23 cm (9.1 in)
of runoff can be expected annually from a sloping feedlot with 71 cm
(28 in} of average annual precipitation (13).
A programmed sampler, which passes a slotted dipper through the runoff
discharge, is used at this site. Discrete samples of the runoff and
its bedload are obtained over 5-minute periods. The sampler is pro-
grammed to select 14 samples at preselected times during runoff.
This permits both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the
runoff with elapsed time (8),
Table 1. SUMMARY OF RUNOFF EVENTS FROM FEEDLOT PEN, GRETNA, NEBRASKA,
1968-1972
Year
1968a
1969
1970
1971
1972
Days with
precipitation
29
81
72
62
79
Runoff
events
12
20
23
15
19
Total
precipitation
(cm)
49.93
56.13
61.90
67.49
76.66
Runoff
(cm)
22.17
14.45
14.22
23.29
29.92
Total 323 89 312.11 104.06
o
Incomplete record for year; record started with runoff event
on July 17.
26
-------
The data obtained show that runoff may not be expected from rainfall
°f 1.3 cm (.51 in.) or less unless rainfall has occurred within the
previous 72 hours. These data also show that higher rainfall inten-
sities provide both higher runoff rates and increased total runoff.
Water storage in the soil and manure mixture on the feedlot surface
can be appreciable. However, appreciable water movement into the
soil profile of a feedlot with an established manure pack should not
be expected during, or from, a rainfall event. Profile moisture
measurements show that wetting of the feedlot surface is relatively
slow, but significant amounts of rainfall are stored in the organic
surface. The stored water is usually lost to evaporation soon after
the rain.
Runoff amounts from rains received within one day after other runoff-
producing events did not approach rainfall amounts except for rela-
tively high-intensity rains. A regression analysis was made of
runoff from 19 individual storms that followed runoff-producing rains.
The resulting equation was: runoff = 0.03 + 1.04 x rainfall, with a
correlation coefficient of 0.78. This suggests that once moistened,
the feedlot surface absorbs water more rapidly.
Pollutants Transported in Runoff
A selected hydrograph with the runoff-site relationships for runoff
fyom the April 18, 1970, event CFig. 7) shows that the comparatively
high initial NH^-N and N03-N contents drop rapidly (.23 to 9 ppm and
9 to l ppm> respectively) during the first hour after runoff starts.
This occurred with a continuing rainfall intensity of about 0.5 cm/hr.
A similar hydrograph for the following day (Fig. 8) indicates that
after a short cessation of rainfall, the NHi+-N content of the runoff
again will be relatively high (16 ppm) and may be expected to drop
(2 Ppm) within an hour. On the other hand, the N03-N content (less
than l ppm) vm not increase with the resumption of runoff. The
NIVN and N03-N are washed out rapidly from the feedlot surface by the
runoff. However, only a short interval without runoff is required for
the accumulation of additional NH^-N for subsequent removal.
A similar relationship is shown by N03-N in the runoff for the Sep-
tember 23, 1970, storm (Fig. 9) except that NHi+-N in the runoff
fluctuated (27 to 12 ppm) throughout the 5.5-hour sampling period.
total solids content in runoff that occurred on April 18 and 19,
1970, ranged from 0.40% to 1.52% and from 0.46 % to 1.26%, respec-
tively. The September 23 runoff had a solids content ranging from
°-36% to 0.54%. The higher solids contents observed during the
APril 18-19 runoff events occurrred in conjunction with periods of
higher rainfall intensity, although the intensities ranged only from
°-5 to 0.65 cm/hr (..2 to .26 in/hr) . Even very moderate increases in
rainfall intensities can be expected to greatly increase the solids
-------
KJ
00
2.5
62.0
o
0 1
Z L
D
-------
K>
F
o
z
D
£0.5-
<
CC.
100 200 300 400
TIME , min
1(6
0
500 600 700
Figure 8. Rainfall, runoff, and NH^-N and N03-N concentrations in runoff, sloping
cattle feedlot, Gretna, Nebraska, April 19, 1970.
-------
u>
o
100
200 300
TIME, min
400
125
a
a
500
Figure 9. Rainfall, runoff, and NH^-N and N03-N concentrations in runoff, sloping
cattle feedlot, Gretna, Nebraska, September 23, 1970.
-------
transport from a sloping feedlot by a unit depth or volume of water.
This effect is significant because a 1% solids content in runoff is
equivalent to 10 metric tons of solids in a 10-cm depth over a
hectare (4.46 tons/acre).
Based on the data presented, 30.48 cm (12 in} of feedlot runoff may
contain from 27 to 2.5 kg (59.5 to 5.5 Ibs) of NHit-N, from 10 to less
than 1 kg (22 to 2.2 Ibs) of N03-N, and about 45 kg (99 Ibs) of P.
From April through October, 1970, a total of 91 runoff samples were
analyzed from 10 storms, providing three or more samples per storm.
The chemical oxygen demand ranged from 144 to 12,790 ppm. Phosphorus
ranged from 0 to 771 ppm and averaged 38.8 ppm. Solids ranged from
0.18% to 2.18% with an average of 0.75%. Volatile solids ranged from
19.6% to 75.0% of the total solids and averaged 36.0%. Assuming that
the average solids content of runoff from the feedlot will not exceed
1% for an expected 23 cm (9.1 in) annual runoff, the annual solids
loss can be estimated at 23 metric tons per hectare (10.3 tons/acre),
A solids trap, consisting of a broad, flat channel 4.3 m (4.7 yd)
wide and 26 m (28.4 yd) long with three transverse screens, was in-
stalled to collect solids from runoff of the feedlot at Gretna. A
total of 78 m3 (.76 acre-inches) of solids were retained in the trap
from July, 1969, through February, 1971. Bulk densities of these
solids ranged from 0.36 to 0.66 g/cm3 (.013 to .024 Ib/cubic inch).
Rainfall totaling 101.1 cm (39.8 inO for the 39 runoff events during
the 2% -year period contributed to 39.6 cm (15.6 in) of runoff, which
deposited an estimated 38.8 metric tons (42.8 tons) of solids in the
trap. Total precipitation for the 2^- year interval was 159 cm (62.6
int). The trap has an estimated efficiency of 80% for settleable
solids. The solids retained by the trap ranged from 22% to 59%
organic matter at the time of removal (9).
It also can be estimated further that soil and organic matter equiva-
lent to 2.4 cm on the feedlot was carried in the 101.1 cm of runoff.
If a bulk density of 0.50 is assumed, the average solids content of
runoff was 1.2%.
Solids Transport
Solids transport by runoff was measured also by solids accumulations
removed from basins of feedlot terraces at Omaha and Springfield.
These values are shown in Table 2. The solids movement on all three
sites falls into the expected pattern for slope and slope length (10)
and Pollutants
At Mead, as well as at Springfield, Nebraska, about 23 cm (9 in) of
the 71 cm (28 in; annual precipitation will run off (14). Three to
six percent of the material deposited on a feedlot will be transported
*n the rainfall runoff. The quantity of material removed will be much
higher if snowmelt runoff is included.
31
-------
Table 2. SOLIDS ACCUMULATIONS REMOVED FROM BASINS OF FEEDLOT TERRACES WITH CONTRIBUTING AREAS
OF VARYING SLOPE AND SLOPE LENGTHS, OMAHA AND SPRINGFIELD, NEBRASKA, JULY 1971
u
to
*
Location \ Slope,
Omaha 15
Springfield
Basin- 1 5
Basin-2 6
Basin-3 7
; slope ;
; length, ;
104
30.5
45.7
51.8
Basin
area
(m2)
1,300
697
1,104
641
; so lids a;
volume
: (m3) :
15,115
2,519
2,408
3,229
Equivalent
depth in
basin
(cm)
43
13.4
8.2
18.6
\ Contrib-
uting
area
; (m2)
5,472
1,623
4,180
5,149
:Total '
; lot ;
area
I Cm2) !
6,772
2,320
5,283
5,790
Equivalent
depth in
lot
(cm)
8.26
4.02
1.68
2.07
Total accumulation since construction in July 1969.
-------
The characteristics and chemical composition of runoff from snowmelt
and rain are shown in Table 3. The annual quantities of materials
removed in runoff from feedlots in rainstorms and during snowmelt run-
off are shown in Table 4. The pH ranged from 4.0 to 9.4, and elec-
trical conductivity was as high as 4.9 and 19.8 mmhos/cm in summer and
snowmelt runoff, respectively. Percent total solids were lower in the
runoff from rainstorms than from snowmelt. When thaws occurred during
some winters, a slurry of undecomposed manure flowed from the lot.
The snowmelt runoff that contained high solids content occurred only
from lots with cattle that we on high-concentrate diets. Total N in
the winter runoff was as high as 6,500 ppm. Nitrate-N varied from 0
to 280 ppm in the runoff from rain.
In 1969, an appreciable amount of material was removed in the snowmelt —
119 and 26.9 metric ton/ha, (S3 and 12 tons/acre) for 9.3 and 18. 62/
animal densities, respectively. Approximately half of the material was
yolatile solids. Significant amounts of P and N also left the feedlot
xn runoff. The runoff varied from year to year. Two to three times
as much material was removed from the 9.3 m2/animal (100 sq ft/ animal)
lot as from the 18.62/animal (200 sq ft/animal) lot for 1969 and 1970.
Chemical element content of the runoff is shown in Table 5. Potassium
and Mg were high.
COLORADO
Composition and Amount of Runoff
Since the flat (Anderson) feedlot has no external drainage, surface
runoff Was not a consideration at that site during this study. At the
sloping (Ashlind) site, runoff resulted from only four to seven rain-
fall events each year. Figure 10 shows the relation between runoff-
producing precipitation and the depth of runoff produced. The correla-
tion between rainfall and runoff was highest when the precipitation
during a 72-hour period was used for correlation. Accumulation of
rainfall over a 72-hour period apparently compensates for the antece-
dent moisture in the manure pack. It appears that the water-holding
capacity of the manure pack is relatively constant, so long as a
manure pack is present. Runoff was never observed during a 72-hour
storm of less than 1 cm (0.4 inch), and every storm exceeding that
amount produced measurable runoff.
annual precipitation and runoff at the Ashlind site during the
study period is summarized in Table 6.
Prom Table 1, it is apparent that 15.5 percent of the total precipi-
tation left the feedlot as surface runoff. However, as seen in Fig.
10* about 40% of the precipitation from any event exceeding 1 cm
33
-------
Table 3. RANGES IN THE CHARACTERISTICS AND CHEMICAL VALUES OF RUNOFF
FROM BEEF CATTLE FEEDLOTS, MEAD, NEBRASKA, 1968-1972
Snowmelt runoff
pH
Conductivity (mmhos/cm)
Total solids (%)
Volatile solids (%)
Ash (%)
COD (mg/1)
P (ppm)
NH4-N (ppm)
N03-N (ppm)
Total nitrogen (ppm)
Low
4.1
3.0
0.8
0.6
0.2
14,100
5
6.0
0
190
High
9.0
19.8
21.8
14.3
9.2
77,100
917
2,028
280
6,528
Mean
6.3
7.1
7.7
3.9
3.8
41,000
292
780
17.5
2,105
Rainstorm runoff
Low
4.8
0.9
0.24
0.12
0.12
1,300
4
2
0
11
High
9.4
5.3
3.3
1.5
2.8
8,200
5,200
1,425
217
8,593
Mean
7.0
3.2
1.93
0.82
1.11
3,100
300
151
10
854
-------
Table 4. QUANTITY OF MATERIALS REMOVED IN RUNOFF FROM BEEF CATTLE
FEEDLOT, MEAD, NEBRASKA, 1969-1972
1969
Precipitation (cm)
Runoff (cm)
Total solids (Mt/ha)
volatile solids (Mt/ha.)
Ash (Mt/ha,)
Total N (Mt/ha.
1970_
Precipitation (cm)
Runoff (cm)
Total solids (Mt/ha.)
Volatile solids "
^h (Mt/ha.)
Total N (Mt/ha.)
Total P (Mt/ha.)
Precipitation (cm)
R^off (cm)
rotal solids (Mt/ha.)
volatile solids (Mt/ha^
Total
Jan 1
9.3
36.10a
17.10
134.00
69.50
64.90
3.83
36.80
14.70
56.10
33.20
22.90
0.21
0.30
year
Dec 1
18.6
36.10
16.60
42.60
21.20
21.40
1.26
36.80
19.30
38.20
20.50
17.70
1.44
0.23
42.60
24.60
53.50
19.10
Snowmelt
Jan 1
9.3
- m2 per
8.39
6.76
119.00
62.60
56.80
3.16
2.98
1.58
2.09
1.55
0.47
0.21
0.01
Apr 4
18.6
animal —
8.39
4.55
28.00
14.30
13.70
0.88
2.98
2.01
1.28
0.88
0.41
0,74
0.12
Rainstorm
Apr 5
9.3
27.70
10.30
15.00
6.90
8,07
0.68
33.80
13.10
54.00
31.60
22.40
1.80
0.27
Dec 31
18.6
27.70
12.00
14.50
6.81
7.69
0.38
33.80
17.30
37.00
19.60
17.30
0.70
0.14
42.60
24.60
53.50
19.10
£sft (Mt/ha.) 34.40
Total N (Mt/ha.) 1.39
Total P (Mt/ha. 0.32
1972
frecipitati
*unoff (cm)
Total solids ^
Volatile solids
Ash (Mt/ha}
Total N (Mt/ha.)
r°tal p (Mt/ha)
Precipitation causing a runoff event
34.40
1.39
0.32
an (cm)
3 (Mt/ha.)
Lids "
/ha.)
/ha)
38.30
25.30
64.80
28.10
36.70
2.18
0.14
38.30
25.30
64.80
28.10
36.70
2.18
0.14
35
-------
2345
72 HR. PRECIPITATION, cm
6
Figure 10. Precipitation-runoff relationship for sloping CAshlind) feedlot.
-------
Table 5. CHEMICAL ELEMENTS IN RUNOFF FROM BEEF
CATTLE FEEDLOTS, MEAD NEBRASKA
Chemical
Na
K
Ca
Mg
Zn
Cu
Fe
Mn
Concentration range
Low
90
50
75
30
1
0.6
24
0.5
High
ppm
2750
8250
3460
2350
415
28
4170
146
Mean
840
2519
794
494
107
7.6
764
26.7
Table 6. ANNUAL PRECIPITATION AND RUNOFF - ASHLIND
(cm)
Year
1970
1971
1972
Precipitation
28.09
29.10
27.30
Runoff
5.66
7.40
.09
(•39 in) ran off the surface. Hydrologic studies at both sites were
terminated at the end of calendar year 1972.
Table 7 shows the composition of runoff from feedlots near Fort Collins
Colorado. The low annual precipitation and infrequent storms are
reflected in the high total solids content of runoff from the sloping
Ashlind site (20.4% total solids) compared to that of Mead, Nebraska,
in Table 5, which had an average content of 2.0%. In fact, the
37
-------
composition of rainfall runoff at Ft. Collins compares with snowmelt
runoff at Mead, Nebraska. Concentration of the chemical species for
runoff showed higher values for total, suspended and dissolved solids,
NOs, NHij, and total N for material from the sloping lot (facing to the
south) than for the level lot in an arid area. In addition, the
runoff from Colorado feedlots is higher in salts as is shown by an
electrical conductivity of 8 to 12 mmhos/cm as compared to rainfall
runoff at Mead, Nebraska, of 0.9 to 4.9 mmhos/cm.
Table 7. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF RUNOFF FROM FEEDLOTS
NEAR FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Measurement
Feedlot - Slope
unit
Total solids (g/1)
Suspended solids (g/1
Dissolved solids (g/1)
EC (mmhos/cm at 25°C)
PH
NO 3 (ppm)
N02" (ppm)
NHj,. (ppm)
N (total, ppm)
POif (ppm)
P (total, ppm)
COD (mg 02/1)
Anderson - 0%
17.5
11.8
6.6
8.59
7.19
2.96
0.0
358.0
1,153.5
114.0
92.5
17,800.0
Ashlind - 6% -8%
204.0
195.6
8.4
12.80
6.75
43.4
0.0
1,130.0
7,370.0
38
-------
SECTION VII
DISPOSAL OF RUNOFF
NEBRASKA CONDITIONS
As previously stated, land application for crop utilization of the
effluent from feedlot runoff is the most feasible means of disposal
under Nebraska conditions and in most of the United States. In addi-
tion to the studies discussed, with crops of grass, Ladino clover, corn,
and forage sorghum at Springfield, effluent has been applied to brome-
grass at Gretna and to cropland used for producing ensilage at Omaha.
At Gretna, established, pastured brome has been subjected to applica-
tions of effluent at various times during the season, using both
surface flow and sprinkler application. The times of application have
been random, dependent upon preceding runoff events. Continued obser-
vation has not indicated other than generally beneficial effects from
the effluent applications. No evidence of selective grazing (that is,
avoidance by the cattle of areas on which the effluent was applied) was
noted. Increased forage production and plant vigor were noted.
Effluent applications at the Omaha site have also been dependent upon
previous runoff events and have been made by sprinkler and surface
application. Forage sorghum stands were not changed by effluent appli-
cations before and after planting. Areas receiving applications during
the growing season had taller crop growth when approaching maturity.
Feedlot runoff effluent is of direct benefit in supplying the water
requirement of crops. However, runoff is not a dependable irrigation
water supply. Annual precipitation on the Great Plains tends to be
below the mean for 3 years and above for 2 years of five. This means
that disposal of runoff can be a problem at times during the two wetter
years and be in short supply in the three drier years when water could
be used advantageously. Fortunately, runoff can be applied in quan-
tities greater than the crop water requirement without significantly
affecting crop quality or yield.
Special corrosion-resistant pumping equipment is not required for the
disposal of effluent. Centrifugal pumps, with impellers and casings of
both brass and cast iron, have continued to function satisfactorily
when used with effluent. Portable, aluminum pipe has been used for
5 years without accelerated deterioration.
The functioning of brass irrigation sprinkler heads has not been im-
paired by runoff effluent. However, nozzles with small-diameter
orifice, 0,5 cm (.197 in) and smaller, have plugged with solids when
the pump suction was on the bottom of the impoundment.
39
-------
Experience with Holding Ponds
Separation of solids from the runoff prior to storage is desirable.
Combined storage of solids and runoff in a lagoon leads to odor produc-
tion in warm weather. Pumping the solids and runoff from a lagoon is
difficult, and drying before removal of the solids is slow and tedious.
The Omaha site utilized a debris basin, providing temporary storage for
runoff and longer-term storage for solids. Odor production was not
serious, but the basin was essentially isolated from dwellings and work
areas. Also, the 15% slope and clay soil of the feedlot surface pro-
vided an appreciable quantity of suspended soil materials in the runoff.
The soil content of the runoff possibly affected degradation and result-
ing odor production.
The holding pond at Gretna has not been a serious source of odors.
Limited gas production has been observed with warming weather in late
spring or early summer. Surprisingly, odors have been limited in both
duration and intensity. A volume of 16 m3 (20.9 cu yd) of solids was
removed from the holding pond on July 23, 1971. This was the total
accumulation of solids in the pond from July 3, 1969, resulting from
31.3 cm (12.3 in} of runoff produced by 134.0 cm (52.8 in) of rain
over the 2-year period. An additional 62 m3 (81.1 cu yd) of solids
from the runoff were collected in the debris basin prior to discharge
into the holding pond.
The holding pond at Springfield has been an obvious source of odor with
the first periods of continued 32.2°C (90°F) daily temperatures. The
settled solids were not removed after construction in 1969 until the
holding pond was enlarged in 1973. The relative accumulation of solids
was much less than in the holding pond at Gretna. The debris basins
at Springfield are even more efficient than the solids trap at Gretna.
Reasons for differences in odor production at the two sites are only
speculation. Wind movement on the hillside at Gretna is unrestricted.
The Springfield holding pond is on a valley floor, protected by trees
and lying immediately adjacent to a building. Odor dissipation by
wind movement is definitely restricted at Springfield. Also, tree
leaves fall and crop residues are blown into the Springfield holding
pond. The pond itself is larger in area, receiving about four times
as much runoff. The Gretna holding pond has been emptied periodically
and the collected solids have dried. Runoff was stored in the Spring-
field holding pond to permit maximization of the effluent-utilization
studies. Under normal management conditions, the Sprinfield holding
pond would have been empty and dry during most of the periods when
odor production was a problem.
Site selection for a holding pond might include exposure to wind move-
ment. Sealing of the soil surface after construction of a holding
pond should not be necessary, even on a permeable soil, unless a
40
-------
domestic water well is located in the immediate vicinity. The organic
solids in the runoff effluent soon effectively seal the soil surface
to continued infiltration.
Holding ponds should not be excesively large, areawise. As an example,
storage capacity of 15 cm/ha.(1500 m3) per hectare of feedlot contribu-
ting area is adequate for most runoff-management systems in eastern
Nebraska. The impoundment, however, should be designed for 120 cm or
more depth of storage rather than a 60- to 90-cm depth. Reducing the
area required will reduce weed problems and potential salt problems.
The first runoff of feedlot flushes much of the readily soluble and
transportable salts (11, 12). In a dry season with limited runoff, a
normal production of salts is available for movement in the lesser
quantities of runoff. If storage of such runoff is continued in a
holding pond with a large surface area subject to evaporation, the
effluent eventually applied to the soil may have a high salt content.
Experience with Crop Response
Land application of the effluent from feedlot runoff is the most feas-
ible means of disposal available CIS, 16). Land disposal may decrease
yield and quality of crops, increase soil salinity, and cause deterio-
ration of soil structure.
A study of effluent disposal was initiated in 1970 at the Springfield
site with crops of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass, both overseeded
with Ladino clover on a silty clay loam. The three species are well
adapted to eastern Nebraska and were chosen for their different toler-
ances to salt. Tall fescue has good salt tolerance, perennial ryegrass
has moderate salt tolerance, and Ladino clover has very low'salt tol-
erance. While periodic measurements of electrical conductivity of the
surface soils were made, along with chemical analyses to measure salt
accumulation in the soil, it was believed that the differences in salt
tolerance of the three species would permit almost immediate detection
of harmful salt accumulations in the soil (17).
The four treatments used throughout each growing season were: (1) 5.1
cm (2 in} of water once each week; (2) 2.5 cm (1 in} of effluent once
each week; (3) 5.1 cm (2 in} of effluent once each week; and (4) 7.6
cm (3 in) of effluent once every 2 weeks.
The amounts of water and effluent applied during the three growing
seasons (1970-1972) are given in Table 8. Precipitation plus the
applications of effluent and water increased the soil-water content at
the 2.4-m (2.6-yd) depth on all treatments by the end of July, 1970.
This indicated initial water movement through and below the effective
root zone of the grasses and clover.
41
-------
Table 8. FEEDLOT EFFLUENT AND WATER APPLICATIONS TO GRASS AND CLOVER
PLOTS, SILTY CLAY LOAM SOIL, SPRINGFIELD, NEBRASKA, 1970-72
Year
Number of
applications
Total depth
applied
(cm)
Total depth
including rainfall4
(cm)
1970
1971
1972
1970
1971
1972
1970
1971
1972
5.1 cm water once each week
10 50.8
18 91.4
17 86.4
2.5 cm effluent, once each week
10
18
17
25.4
45.7
43.2
5.1 cm effluent, once each week
10
18
17
50.8
91.4
86.4
79.9
102.7
111.5
54.5
57.0
68.3
79.9
102.7
111.5
7.6 cm effluent, once every 2 weeks
1970
1971
1972
5
9
9
38.1
68.6
68.6
67.2
79.9
93.7
Rainfall during season of application: 29.1 cm (11.5 in}, July 1-
Sept. 30, 1970; 11.3 cm (4.5 in), June l-Oct.15, 1971 [40.6 cm
(16 in) normal]; and 25.1 cm (9.9 in} June 1-Oct. 1, 1972.
42
-------
The total quantities of solids, nutrients, and salts applied with the
various treatments from July 1, 1970, to October 1, 1972, are listed
in Table 9. Precipitation totaling 159.8 cm (63 in} was measured dur-
ing this period. The 5.1-cm-(2-in} per-week rate of application
supplied 31 metric tons (34.1 tons) of solids and 3,114 kg (6,866 Ib)
of nitrogen per hectare over the 3 years. More than 1,000 kg (2,205
Ib) of N per hectare per season appears to be excessive. However,
losses of NH^-N are high immediately after the application of the efflu-
ent; only about one-half of the total N applied is available the first
year.
The highest-yielding treatments in 1971 were the 2.5 cm (1 in} of
effluent weekly and 7.6 cm (3 in} of effluent biweekly, with total
season yields of 9,440 and 9,440 kg/hectare (8,420 Ib/acre), respec-
tively. The 5.1-cm (2-in} water treatment yielded least-- 8,438 kg/ha.
(7,527 Ib/acre). For all treatments, average yields decreased while
total nitrogen increased with each succeeding harvest. However, total
N did not differ significantly between treatments.
The plots were harvested May 31, July 19, September 5, and October 16,
1972. Very little ryegrass or fescue remained to compete with the clo-
ver in the spring of 1972. The last three harvests consisted entirely
of Ladino clover. In 1972, the 7.6-cm (3-in} biweekly effluent treat-
ment yielded most, 10,220 kg/ha.(9,116 Ib/acre), and the water-irrigated
treatment yielded least, 8,460 kg/ha.(7,546 Ib/acre). Only at the
second cutting, however, did the 7.6-cm (3-in} effluent treatment yield
significantly more (5% level) than did the watered treatment. No other
differences were significant for individual cuttings. Because of the
dominance of the Ladino clover, paired subplots planted to fescue and
ryegrass did not differ significantly. Therefore, the yields and ni-
trogen contents are summarized for the whole plots in Table 10. For the
seven cuttings in 1971-1972, the 7.6-cm (3-in} biweekly effluent treat-
ment yielded 19,620 kg/ha.(17,501 Ib/acre, which was significantly
higher than the watered treatment of 16,900 kg/ha.(15,074 Ib/acre).
None of the other differences were significant.
A maximum of 229 cm (90 in} of beef feedlot runoff effluent was applied
during three growing seasons to the tall fescue, perennial ryegrass,
and Ladino clover. No detrimental salt or nutrient accumulations were
found in the silty clay loam soil at the end of the period. The
effluent applications generally improved forage yields, despite appli-
cations in excess of the water requirements of the grasses and clover.
Chemical analyses of the forage did not reveal undesirable or toxic
contents, and the forage was of excellent quality. Precipitation to-
taled 160 cm (63 in} during the period from July 1, 1970, to October
1, 1972.
In the second season, the Ladino clover dominated the stands with the
more salt-tolerant grasses. This indicated that undiluted runoff
43
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Table 9. QUANTITIES OF SOLIDS AND NUTRIENTS APPLIED TO GRASS-CLOVER,
COCKERILL FEEDLOTS, SPRINGFIELD, NEBRASKA, 1970-72
(kg/ha.)
1970
Total solids
Volatile solids
Total nitrogen
Total phosphorus
Salts
1971
Total solids
Volatile solids
Total nitrogen
Total phosphorus
Salts
1972
Total solids
Volatile solids
Total nitrogen
Total phosphorus
Salts
Total for 3 years,
1970-72
Total solids
Volatile solids
Total nitrogen
Total phosphorus
Salts
2.5 cm weekly
16,820
9,055
902
45
7,482
13,710
5,925
414
196
4,032
9,486
4,312
241
90
3,366
40,020
19,290
1,557
330
14,880
Grass -clover
5.1 cm weekly
3,399
18,120
1,803
90
14,960
27,420
11,860
829
392
8,064
1,898
8,624
482
179
6,726
80,040
38,600
3,114
661
29,750
7.6 cm biweekly
26,410
14,390
1,434
73
11,880
20,560
8,892
622
297
6,048
15,070
6,896
381
146
5,342
55,670
30,130
2,436
515
23,270
44
-------
Table 10. FORAGE YIELDS AND TOTAL NITROGEN CONTENTS, GRASS AND CONTENTS, GRASS AND CLOVER EFFLUENT
DISPOSAL PLOTS, SPRINGFIELD, NEBRASKA, 1971-1972 a
Treatment
Date of
harvest
June 2,
July 19
Aug. 24
Total -
May 31,
July 19
Sept. 5
Oct. 16
Total -
1971
, 1971
, 1971
1971
1972
, 1972
, 1972
, 1972
1972
Total - 1971-72
2.5 cm effluent
weekly
Yield
kg/ha.
3,377
3,184
2,293
8,854
2,726
2,583
2,205
1,541
9,055
17,910
Total N
\
>
2.10
2.72
3.47
3
2
2
2
.42
.93
.69
.39
5.1 cm effluent
weekly
Yield
kg/ha.
4,112
3,138
2,192
9,442
3,098
2,741
2,100
1,500
9,432
18,870
Total N
%
2.26
2.98
3.62
2.85
2.90
2.90
2.24
5.1 cm water
weekly
Yield
kg/ha.
3,783
2,495
2,159
8,438
2,741
2,376
1,997
1,347
8.460
16,900
Total N
2.
3.
3.
3.
2.
2.
2.
%
89
02
47
08
87
89
42
7.6 cm effluent
biweekly
Yield
kg/ha.
4,061
3,409
1,930
9,400
3,398
3,283
1,939
1,599
10,220
19,620
Total N
%
1.92
2.82
3.64
2.45
2.70
1.93
2.42
Grasshopper damage in 1970 precluded meaningful forage data
-------
effluent in this area can be used safely to irrigate a crop of low
salt-tolerance.
Results from this study indicate that the water and nutrients in feed-
lot runoff effluent can be utilized by perennial hay crops.
Corn also was irrigated with both feedlot runoff effluent and water on
the silty clay loam at Springfield. Five treatments were replicated
three times in a completely random design. The treatments were weekly
applications of 3.8 cm (1.5 in.) of effluent, 3.8 cm (1-5 in.) of water,
7.6 cm (3 in.) of effluent, and 7.6 cm (3 in.) of water. About 1 month
after the corn was planted, irrigation furrows were formed between the
corn rows, and the weekly irrigation applications were begun. Irriga-
tion was discontinued when the corn began to dent in early September
(18).
The total quantities of solids, nutrients, and salts applied to corn
plots receiving maximum rates of effluent application are shown in
Table 11. The corn grain and stover yields for the various treatments
are reported in Table 12.
The effluent-irrigated treatments yielded more grain and stover than
corresponding water-irrigated treatments and more than the check treat-
ment each of the 3 years. These differences, however, were not sta-
tistically significant (5% level). Three years' yield data were
analyzed as split plots in time. The 3-year average grain yields
showed highly significant differences between the check treatment and
all irrigation treatments. The effluent treatments averaged 690 to
815 kg/ha. (615 to 727 Ib/acre) more than the corresponding water treat-
ments. While these differences were not significant at the 5% level,
the difference between the 3.8-cm (1.5-in) effluent and 3.8-cm water
treatments was significant at the 10% level. The average for the two
effluent treatments was almost identical, as were the two water treat-
ments. The 3-year average stover yields were not different among the
four irrigation treatments. The effluent-irrigated stover yielded more
than the check, but the water-irrigated stover did not.
Chemical analyses of the stalks did not reveal nitrate contents which
could be related to the effluent treatments.
Forage sorghum was irrigated with feedlot runoff effluent and with
water at the Springfield site during 1971 and 1972 (15, 16, 19).
A series of five treatments with three replications of each treatment
were used. The water and effluent applications were made in irrigation
furrows as with corn. The treatments are as follows: (1) check plot,
no application; (2) 2.5 cm (1 inj> water every 5 to 7 days if no rain,
late June to harvest; (3) 5.1 cm (2 in} water every 5 to 7 days if no
rain, late June to harvest; (4) 2.5 cm (1 inj) effluent every 5 to 7
46
-------
Table 11. TOTAL QUANTITIES OF SOLIDS, NUTRIENTS AND SALTS APPLIED TO
CORN PLOTS RECEIVING MAXIMUM RATES OF EFFLUENT APPLICATION
SPRINGFIELD, NEBRASKA, 1970-72a
(kg/ha}
; Total
Year ' solids
1970b 21,730
1971C 18,206
1972d 16,740
Total
1970-1972 56,730
; Volatile | Total ; Total
solids ' nitrogen' phosphorus
11,760 1,198 56
7,280 504 336
7,616 414 146
26,666 2,116 538
.' Total
salts
9,677
5,219
5,757
20,653
Quantities of solids, nutrients, and salts for the lower rates of
effluent applicaton are one-half of the values tabulated for the
maximum rates of effluent application.
Values for 11 effluent applications of 5.1 cm (2 in) each.
°Values of 8 effluent applications of 7.6 cm (3 in} each.
Values for 10 effluent applications of 7.6 cm (3 in.) each.
47
-------
00
Table 12. CORN GRAIN AND STOVER YIELDS FROM EFFLUENT DISPOSAL PLOTS, COCKERILL FEEDLOTS, SPRINGFIELD,
NEBRASKA, 1972
3.8
3.8
7.6
7.6
Irrigation
treatments
cm effluent
cm water
cm effluent
cm water
: Corn grain yields ,
: kg/ha. @15.5% moisture
:
10
9
10
9
1970
,560
,107
,780
,433
•
6
5
6
6
1971
,285
,883
,987
,617
! 1972
11,950
11,420
11,260
10,880
: 3-yr
: average
9,602
8,806
9,671
8,975
: Corn stover yields,
: kg/ha. dry matter
; 1970 ;
8,524
7,665
9,452
7,977
1971
9,470
8,595
8,780
8,502
I 1972
*
11,880
11,460
11,660
11,590
: 3-yr
: average
9,957
9,241
9,964
9,358
Check
6,567
5,808 10,980
7,784
7,085
8,072
8,695
7,951
-------
days if no rain, late June to harvest; and (5) 5.1 cm (2 in} effluent
every 5 to 7 days if no rain, late June to harvest.
The characteristics of the effluent and total quantities of nutrients
and solids applied to the forage with the 5.1-cm (2-in} effluent
application are given in Table 13. The yields of the forage are
presented in Table 14.
The 2.5-cm (1 in.) effluent treatment produced the highest yields in
each of the 2 years. The forage yield from the 2.5-cm effluent treat-
ment was significantly higher than all other treatments in 1972. The
addition of 2.5 cm effluent per week (25 cm annually) may be the opti-
mum effluent application rate for forage production in northeastern
Nebraska.
Nitrate-nitrogen contents of plan samples for each respective treatment
are presented in Table 12. All treatments showed high N03-N concen-
trations in 1971. These high N03-N concentrations, however, could not
be attributed to effluent loading; dry weather and carry-over of N from
1970 are possible reasons.
The N03-N content of plant samples collected from the 1972 harvest shows
a great reduction in N03-N in all treatments as compared with 1971.
Cool, rainy weather during the 1972 growing season and lower N soil
reserve are factors partially accountable for this observation. Both
effluent treatments showed higher NC>3-N concentration than plant samples
from the water treatments. Increased effluent loading resulted in in-
creasing N03-N accumulations. The butt samples from plots receiving
5.1 cm (2 in} of effluent in 1972 were significantly higher in N03-N
than those harvested from the 5.1-cm (2-in} water treatment (Table 15).
All plant samples were anlayzed for Ca, Mg, Na, and K content. No
apparent treatment differences could be observed over the 2-year study.
Potassium concentrations were higher in all treatment samples collected
in 1971, ranging from 2.13% (2.5 cm effluent) to 2.30% (5.1 cm water),
as compared with the range of 1.75% to 1.93% in 1972. The differences
were not related to treatment.
The sodium-bicarbonate-extractable P content of the top 10.2 cm (4 in}
of soil cores taken in 1971 and 1972 was determined. An additive effect
was observed from the application of feedlot effluent. The P increase
was observed only in the surface soil samples. Analyses of soil cores,
taken to a depth of 2.4 m (2.6 yd) revealed little variation of P lev-
els below the 10.2-cm (4-in} soil depth between treatments.
The P addition from the applied effluent was significantly higher in
the 5.1-cm (2-in} effluent treatment when compared with both water
treatments in 1972.
49
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Table 13. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EFFLUENT AND TOTAL QUANTITIES OF NUTRIENTS AND SOLIDS APPLIED
TO FORAGE SORGHUM PLOTS IN 1971 AND 1972, SPRINGFIELD, NEBRASKA
1971
Average
kg/ha, from 5.1-cm
applications
(56 cm)
1972
Average
kg/ha, from 5. 1-cm
Volatile :
solids : Ash
% : %
0.11 0.12
5924 6764
0.09 0.11
4424 5432
Total
N
ppm
71
399
48
242
rNH^-N,
: ppm
66
366
21
106.4
N03-N,
ppm
1.13
12.3
4.7-2
23.5
N02-N,
ppm
0.08
0.45
0.04
1.20
Total : Electrical
P „ : conductivity,
ppm P : mmhos/cm
34 8.9 1.51
192.6
18 9.0 1.26
90.7
application
(51 cm)
-------
Table 14. FORAGE SORGHUM YIELDS FOR 1971 and 1972
(metric tons dry matter/hectare)
Treatment
Check
2.5 cm water
5 . 1 cm water
2.5 cm effluent
5. 1 cm effluent
1971
15.2
16.1
17.2
17.5
17.0
1972
15.5
15.5
14.8
18.1
15.5
Duncan Multiple Range Test of sorghum yields
at the 5% level of significance*
1971
Treatment
Yield
1972
Treatment
Yield
2.5 cm effluent 17.5 a
5.1 cm water 17.2 a
5.1 cm effluent 17.0 a
2.5 cm water 16.1 a
Check 15.2 a
2.5 cm effluent 18.1 a
5.1 cm effluent 15.5 b
2.5 cm water 15.5 b
Check 15.5 b
5.1 cm water 14.8 b
*Note: Yields followed by a different letter (a or b) were signifi-
cantly different at the 5% level.
51
-------
TABLE 15. NITRATE-N CONTAINED IN FORAGE SORGHUM HARVESTED IN
1971 AND 1972
Treatment
Check
2.5 cm water
5.1 cm water
2.5 cm effluent
5.1 cm effluent
1971
Butt
11,700
11,300
10,400
10,800
10,500
N03
Top
3,100
4,380
4,220
3,900
4,200
-N a
Butt
6,000
5,400
4,700
6,100
7,050
1972
Top
2,090
1,680
1,510
1,840
2,020
o
NO--N calculated on 100% dry-weight basis
•J
Duncan Multiple Range Test of NO -N in butt
samples harvested in 1972, at the 5% level
of significance
Treatment NO^-N (ppm)
5.1 cm effluent 7,050
2.5 cm effluent 6,100
Check 6,000
2.5 cm water 5,400
5.1 cm water 4,700
52
-------
The N03-N levels in 2.4 m (2.6 yd) soil cores showed an overall decline
during the 2-year study. A sharper decline in NO^N was observed in 1972
when compared with 1971. The higher amounts of natural precipitation
in combination with continued irrigation, may have facilitated leaching
of N03-N in 1972. The fact that the effluent treatments showed less
decline in NOs-N when compared with the water treatments indicates that
some of the effluent- added N was accumulating as
Additional N losses via plant uptake, volatilization, and denitrifica-
tion may have counterbalanced the N addition in the effluent treatments.
Higher precipitation occurring in 1972 again may have been the influ-
encing factor when these losses are considered.
Soil pH and electrical conductivity analyses were conducted on soil
samples to a depth of 20 cm (7.9 in). Slight increases in both soil pH
and electrical conductivity were observed on effluent-treated soil. The
increases were slight, however, and would cause no detrimental effects
on crop production.
Analyses of soil solution samples showed an increase in concentration of
Ca, Na, and K ions in effluent-treated soil. These cations were increas-
ing in soil solution samples collected at a depth of 61 cm (24 in).
Samples collected at a depth of 1.8 m (2 yd) did not follow this pattern
and showed little difference among treatments.
The increase in Ca, Na, and K observed in soil solution samples from
effluent treatments may account for the increase in soil pH and elec-
trical conductivities. The increases in pH and electrical conductivities
were slight but did reflect some salt addition due to effluent applica-
tion.
The physical properties of the soil on which the forage sorghum was pro-
duced with the applications of runoff effluent were also investigated.
Soil samples from 0- to 10-cm (3.9-in) depths were taken for bulk den-
sity, particle size analysis, moisture release, hydraulic conductivity
of disturbed and undisturbed samples, and wet-aggregate analysis. These
soil samples were taken just before, midway, and at the end of each
irrigation season. The effluent treatments produced no differences in
bulk density, soil water storage and release, or in wet-aggregate analy-
ses. Significant differences were measured for hydraulic conductivity
of disturbed and undisturbed soil samples.
The hydraulic conductivity values on disturbed soil surface samples
were recorded at the 2- and 24-hour intervals. The ratios of the 3 hr:
24 hr values were calculated. A small ratio indicates low stability of
aggregates in water and, hence, the physical condition of soil has de-
teriorated. Significant differences were discovered at the 1% level
for treatments of nonirrigation vs others and water vs effluent. A de-
crease in hydraulic conductivity was noted for the effluent plots as
53
-------
compared with the nonirrigated plots. This is probably associated with
the clogging of pores by the colloidal particles and the dispersion of
soil by the sodium and potassium in the effluent. A decrease could also
occur from organic matter in the effluent.
An important fact was also noted in comparing the hydraulic conduc-
tivities for the fall 1971 with spring 1972 samples. The fall samples
show a definite decrease in hydraulic conductivity ratios of effluent
plots compared with nonirrigated plots, while in the spring, the ratio
values are nearly the same for all treatments. Evidently, over the win-
ter period the effects of effluent are reduced to nearly normal,
probably through leaching of the salts by winter rains. The freezing
and thawing of the soil also increases the water stability of
aggregates.
Percolate samples, representing the first 50 ml, were collected while
the hydraulic conductivities were analyzed. A chemical analysis was
conducted for Na , K , Cl", N03-N, NH^-N, pH, and electrical conduct-
ivity. The highest value sodium content was 116 ppm for the 5.1-cm
(2-in.) effluent plots after the final irrigation in 1971. This value
does not create any immediate problems in deterioration of the physical
properties of the soil. All sodium values in the spring of 1972 were
lower than the previous fall. These were reduced by leaching over the
nonirrigation season.
The high-effluent plots recorded the largest potassium content, with
123 ppm after the first irrigation season being the highest. Leaching
during the nonirrigation season reduced the potassium values by at
least half.
Chloride contents were calculated and show rather large values for
effluent plots in 1971, but very reduced values in 1972. Precipitation
during the nonirrigation season caused the leaching of Cl~, as the
chloride ions are very susceptible to leaching.
The results for NH^-N, NOs-N, and pH show no serious changes from
application of effluent,, as the values are all low or normal.
The highest electrical conductivities (EC) for the percolate samples
were obtained on the effluent plots. These values were at least double
the values of the water and no-irrigation (check) plots, but still low
enough not to be a salt problem. The EC of the percolate from the
effluent plots decreased during the nonirrigation season of 1971-72.
The decreased EC shows that some salts were probably leached during
this period.
Feedlot runoff effluent is a highly variable, low-grade fertilizer.
However, large and frequent applications can supply much of the
54
-------
nutrient needs of many crops. Annual applications up to 91.4 cm
(36 in.) on grass-Ladino clover and 76.2 cm (30 in} on corn have not
decreased, and sometimes increased, yields. Good growth of the Ladino
clover, a low salt-tolerant crop, indicates salt accumulation in the
soil is not a problem.
COLORADO CONDITIONS
The limited runoff is of such composition that it must be kept out of
surface waters, and disposal on arable land is preferred. No data are
available concerning direct application to crops, but judging from com-
parisons made of the compositions of Nebraska and Colorado runoff, the
Colorado material would have to be diluted with irrigation water to
lower the conductivity to acceptable values if such disposal were
contemplated.
55
-------
SECTION VIII
COMPOSITION OF SOIL SOLUTION AND SOIL ATMOSPHERE BENEATH FEEDLOTS
NEBRASKA
Solution and Gas Samples from Caissons
Prior to these studies, it was believed most feedlots contaminated soil
profiles and water tables beneath them. The data presented here were
obtained from soil solution and soil gas samples collected from caissons,
vacuum lysimeters, and soil cores. Soil solution samples were used to
assess pollutants that may be moving through the soil profile and soil
gas samples were used to determine the reduction status of the soil
profile.
At the Central City site, there were two caissons in the feedlot and one
in an adjacent cropped field. At the Springfield site, there was one
caisson in the slope, one in the basin of the feedlot, and one in an ad-
jacent cropped field. Caissons design and use have been described (5).
Data from the Central City feedlot (Table 16) show a comparison of
average yearly concentrations of the N compounds beneath a feedlot and
Table 16. AVERAGE YEARLY CONCENTRATIONS OF SOME NITROGEN COMPOUNDS IN
THE SOIL SOLUTION BENEATH A FEEDLOT AND A CROPPED FIELD
Cyg/ml)
Depth, cm
N03-N
NH4-N
Total N
Feedlot
Field
15.0
45.7
76.0
106.6
30.5
61.0
91.4
32.5
0.1
0.3
0.6
8.1
7.2
7.8
538.6
30.9
1.9
1.0
8.3
0.9
1.1
713.4
40.6
8.9
5.6
17.1
20.4
12.9
56
-------
a cropped field. The feedlot N03-N values at 45.7 cm (18 in) and below
appeared lower than those obtained from the cropped field. The NHi+-N
samples from the feedlot and field were similar at 76 cm (30 in) and
below. At these depths, total-N values seem to be higher in the field
than in the feedlot. However, the total-N values include the NOa-N
values, which were higher in the cropped field. If the N03-N values
are subtracted, the total-N values from 76 cm (30 in) and below in the
feedlot and the cropped field would be comparable.
The soil water samples indicate this feedlot contributes low amounts of
NOs-N, NHjj-N, and soluble N-containing compounds to the groundwater.
Samples from the feedlot obtained at the 15-cm depth were higher in
these compounds; however, at the 76-cm depth, the levels appeared as
low as, or lower than, comparable field samples (20).
Table 17 shows the average gas composition of the soil atmosphere at
various depths beneath the Central City feedlot and in an adjacent
cornfield for a 1-year period. High CHi, and C02 were found beneath the
feedlot. As sample depth increased, CHit values increased to about 18%
from the 91.4-cm (36-in.) depth to 137-cm (54-in^ depth. These results
indicate vigorous CHi+ production was taking place in the feedlot soil
profile. Because CH^ is lighter than air, only limited downward diffu-
sion would be expected; thus, some CH^ was probably produced near the
137-cm (36-in.) level. Single values at the 152.4-cm (60-iru) depth of
up to 55% CHi+ and 40% C02 were recorded. Lower concentrations of CH^
at the surface hint of CHi+ diffusion through the surface and/or inhibi-
tion of CH^-producing bacteria by Oa- Production of the quantities of
CH^ detected beneath this feedlot indicates the presence of appreciable
metabolizable organic matter in the soil profile. This conclusion is
made on the basis that CHi» bacteria generally require specific organic
substrates (21). As would be expected, 02 concentrations are much
reduced because CHi+ production takes place only under anaerobic con-
ditions. Where CH^ was high in individual samples, 02 was very low or
zero. Table 17 also shows the cropped field values. No CH^ was detec-
ted at any time, and Q£ and N2 values were close to atmospheric. As
expected, C02 values in the field soil profile were higher than atmos-
pheric values (22).
The soil solution data from the Central City site show the feedlot is
not contaminating the shallow groundwater; therefore, the answer is one
of management. This feedlot is used continuously through the year.
The surface of the feedlot, when the manure pack is intact, has a low
infiltration rate (4). Thus, it seems that if a feedlot is kept well
stocked and manure-packed, soil interface is not disturbed, only
limited organic matter and NOa-N will reach the underground water
supply (20). Also, the feedlot soil profile should remain anaerobic.
The gas data from this site show the feedlot profile is reduced, and
this indicates denitrification can occur (22). Investigations at this
site show that groundwater pollution from an active feedlot surface is
not a problem.
5-7
-------
Table 17. AVERAGE SOIL ATMOSPHERE COMPOSITION AT VARIOUS SOIL DEPTHS
BENEATH A FEEDLOT AND CROPPED FIELD FOR A 1-YEAR PERIOD
(% by volume)
Depth, cm
Feedlot
30.5
45.7
61.0
76.0
91.4
106.6
122.0
137.0
Cropped field
30.5
61.0
91.4
122.0
152.4
C02
15.0
12.5
15.0
23.0
18.5
18.0
18.5
21.0
2.0
2.0
2.5
2.5
1.0
02
9.5
9.5
7.5
4.5
5.0
5.0
5.0
6.0
18.0
18.0
18.0
18.0
19.0
N2
66.0
68.5
65.0
45.0
58.5
57.5
56.5
52.0
79.0
80.0
79.0
79.0
79.0
CH4
8.0
8.0
11.5
27.5
18.0
17.5
18.5
20.0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
98.5
98.5
99.0
100.0
100.0
98.0
98.5
99.0
99.0
100.0
99.5
99.5
99.0
(These data show this feedlot soil profile is favorable for denitrification)
58
-------
Figure 11 shows NOs-N increased in the basin at the Springfield site
through the 122-cm (48-in^J depth during the first 3 months of sampling
(11 months of operation]. Values up to 70 ppm NOs-N were recorded at
30.5 cm (12 in} while samples at 61 and 122 cm (24 and 58 in.) peaked
at about 40 ppm NOa-N. After 4 months, NOa-N increased to approximate-
ly 40 ppm at 152.4 cm (60 in.) and was decreasing at 122 cm (48 in} .
After 13 months of sampling (21 months of operation), soil water
nitrate had decreased to 1.4, 10, and 12.5 ppm NOa-N at 61, 122, and
152.4 cm (24, 48 and 60 in.), respectively. Near the end of the study,
the soil water samplers ceased to function at 30.5 cm (12 in.). Soil
water nitrate at 183, 244, and 305 cm (72, 96, and 120 in) was rela-
tively constant at respective averages of <1, 15, and lOppm N03-N
(Figure 12). Two unexplained high values caused the rise at 244 cm
(96 in.) in March. These data show nitrate was not carried below 152.4
cm (60 in} (23).
The decrease in nitrate during the latter part of the sampling period
coincided with an increase in C02 and a decrease in 02 (Figure 13).
The C02 was highest between 61 and 305 cm (24 and 120 in^. These data
indicate establishment of reducing conditions beneath the basin. Re-
ducing conditions, coupled with the nitrate decrease, indicate that
denitrification was occurring. Nitrate-N of the well samples was below
the U. S. Public Health Service limit of 10 ppm (24).
These studies indicate if a feedlot is stocked continuously, and when
cleaned, if the dense soil-manure interface layer is not removed,
pollution of groundwater should not occur.
COLORADO
Solutions and Gas Samples from Caissons
Cased, dry wells or caissons were installed in a commercial feedlot
(Ashlind Feeders, Inc., 9.3 km (5.8) miles northeast of Fort Collins)
late in 1970. One caisson was installed near the feedbunk (low eleva-
tion in a pen), one caisson was installed near the center of the same
pen (at a higher elevation), and one in an adjacent alfalfa field for
comparison observations. Soil water tensions, soil temperatures, soil
gases were monitored. In addition, water in the general area from
irrigation wells, irrigation canals, drainage canals, and domestic
wells was analyzed for comparison with the caisson data.
Data are still being gathered and analyzed, and Tables 18 through 25
present the current results.
Tables 18-20 present the composition of extracted soil solutions
obtained by porous ceramic cups and the water samples for comparison.
59
-------
DEPTH OF SAMPLE FROM SOIL
o 30 5 SURFACE, cm
, 61.0
A I 22
A 152.4
N
D J F M
TIME, months
M
Figure 11. Average N03-N levels in the soil solution extracted from the broad-basin terraced
feedlot at increments of depth and time, Springfield, Nebraska, 1970-1971.
-------
£
ex
60
70
60
50
40
30
2O
10
DEPTH OF SAMPLE FROM SOIL
0 l83 SURFACE, cm
o 244
A 305
N D J F M A
TIME, months
M
Figure 12.
Average N03-N levels in the soil solution extracted from the broad-basin terraced
reecuot at increments of depth and time, Springfield, Nebraska, 1970-1971.
-------
100
90
80
70
60
50
30
20
10
o C
N D J F M
TIME, months
Figure 13. Average soil-gas composition from 1 to 10 ft. beneath the basin, broad-
basin terraced feedlot, Springfield, Nebraska, 1970-1971.
-------
to
Table 18. NITRATE AND NITRITE NITROGEN AND ECLECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF SOIL SOLUTIONSa
OBTAINED FROM CAISSONS AT ASHLIND FEEDERS, INC., FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Depth,
cm
15
61
91
183
274
wt.b
NOa-N, ppm
Alfal£ab
28
12
3
3
3
2
Bunk
1
2
2
0
3
7
Center
1700
200
78
11
16
11
N02-N, ppm
Alfalfa
0.035
0.040
0.026
0.030
0.025
0.023
Bunk
0.230
0.096
2.600
0.012
0.200
0.060
Center
2.000
0.093
0.180
0.140
0.130
0.066
EC, mmhos/cm @
Alfalfa
3.4
4.6
6.4
6.9
9.9
6.9
Bunk
6.5
2.6
4.6
4.3
4.4
4.0
25 °C
Center
23.6
6.6
5.6
3.8
4.4
4.0
values for samples obtained in 1971, 1972, and 1973
Soil solutions obtained from water table or as low as possible in the caisson
-------
Table 19. CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND, PHOSPHATE, AND pH of SOIL SOLUTIONS OBTAINED FROM
CAISSONS AT ASHLIND FEEDERS, INC., FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Depth,
cm
15
61
91
183
274
Wt.b
COD, mg02/l F
Alfalfa
79
72
86
180
130
Bunk
290
320
84
92
50
Center
160
120
140
88
37
Alfalfa
0.29
0.45
0.64
0.19
0.17
0.18
'Oj^3, ppm
Bunk
0.51
0.66
0.21
0.12
0.13
Center
0.17
0.12
0.14
0.14
0.15
Alfalfa
8.2
8.2
8.5
8.4
8.6
8.6
PH
Bunk
7.9
7.9
8.0
8.2
8.1
8.1
Center
8.1
8.1
8.2
8.0
8.1
8.1
Mean values for samples obtained in 1971, 1972, and 1973.
Soil solutions obtained from water table or as low as possible in the caisson.
-------
Table 20. NITRATE AND NITRITE NITROGEN, ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY, CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND,
PHOSPHATE, AND pH OF WATER SAMPLES OBTAINED FROM SEVERAL SOURCES IN THE AREA
OF THE CAISSONS AT ASHLIND FEEDERS, INC., FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Site Description
Drainage from alfalfa
Drainage from cultivated field
Canal connecting reservoirs
Drainage from pasture
Irrigation well
Cattle pen water tank
NH3-N
ppm
2.5
4.6
3.4
0.2
1.6
0
N02-N
ppm
0.032
0.052
0.031
0.0
0.0
0.0
EC
mmhos/cm
2.4
3.7
2.5
1.0
2.3
0.4
COD
mg02/l
30
40
60
50
40
1100
PO^3
ppm
0.06
0.08
0.20
0.08
0.06
0.62
pH
7.9
7.8
8.1
8.0
8.1
7.1
-------
ON
O\
Table 21. CHARACTERISTICS OF SOIL TAKEN FROM NEAR THE CENTER CAISSON AT ASHLIND FEEDERS, INC.
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Depth :
cm :
0
76
15.
22
30
38
46
53
-7.6
-15.2
2-22
- 30
- 38
- 46
- 53
- 61
Water
Content ,
% DWBa
10.
11.
12.
12.
14.
16.
16.
15.
0
6
6
6
0
1
1
6
: Soil Solution :
; N03-N + N02-N I
ppm
0.
79.
109.
80.
67.
54.
34.
32.
0
4
0
9
4
1
2
2
Oven- dry Soil
N03-N + N02-N
ppm
0.
9.
13.
10.
9.
8.
5.
5.
0
2
7
2
4
7
5
0
ppm
568.
221.
34.
5.
2.
3.
1.
4.
Basis
N pH
6
2
6
3
7
2
8
6
8.
7.
7.
7.
7.
7,
7.
7.
43
75
74
78
82
88
89
90
a
Dry weight basis
-------
Table 22. SOIL WATER TENSIONS (CENTIBARS) AS QUARTERLY AVERAGES FOUND IN THE ALFALFA
CAISSON AT ASHLIND FEEDERS, INC. FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Depth
cm
IS
61
91
183
274
*
*
: 3
40.2
45.5
59.5
24.5
24.7
1971
4
19.6
39.2
66.8
25.0
26.5
•
*
: 1
25.0
14.6
46.1
27.0
31.4
1972
2
32.2
36.3
44.5
27.0
35.7
3
43.8
17.2
29.6
48.8
55.9
4
9.8
0.0
0.0
23.0
57.6
: 1
12.
18.
4.
17.
31.
1973
2
8
7
0
0
2
19.1
27.2
26.5
15.7
27.6
3
22.1
46.1
a
17.2
23.1
4
15.2
31.1
30.8
22.2
23.5
Tension exceeded 70 centibars and water films establishing tension were lost.
Table 23. SOIL WATER TENSIONS (CENTIBARS) AS QUARTERLY AVERAGES FOUND IN THE BUNK CAISSON
AT ASHLIND FEEDERS, INC., FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
cm
15
16
91
183
274
3
51.0
39.6
35.2
13.9
0.0
1971
4
57,0
51.4
31.7
17.7
5.4
...
: 1
53.6
54.0
33.9
19.5
8.9
2
51.6
50.8
33.7
19.3
8.5
1972
3
46.7
44,0
30.9
14.9
2.3
4
53.9
48.0
31.6
18.9
7.6
1
48.6
48.3
22.5
20.3
9.5
19
2
46,1
44.9
23.0
20.1
8.3
73
3
38.4
35.0
20.8
13.4
2.8
4
46.4
41.5
20.4
18.8
6.7
-------
00
Table 24. SOIL WATER TENSIONS (CENTIBARS) AS QUARTERLY AVERAGES FOUND IN THE CENTER CAISSON
AT ASHLAND FEEDERS, INC., FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Depth
cm
15
61
91
183
274
Table 25.
Location
Alfalfa
Bunk
Center
I 1971 1972 1973
:34 123 4 1234
33.8 19.0 23.0 24.0 29.6 41.5 38.2 37.6 36.1 47.8
23.8 16.3 20.0 22.0 25.2 29.4 29.2 28.7 27.5 36.2
21.5 14.5 18.1 19.8 21.8 24.3 24.2 24.2 22.8 29.0
15.8 16.4 20.8 22.0 19.3 21.2 24.2 24.2 18.2 21.7
10.7 14.4 16.9 17.3 12.4 15.9 17.6 17.5 11.4 16.1
AVERAGE SOIL ATMOSPHERE COMPOSITION (PERCENT BY VOLUME) BENEATH A CROPPED FIELD
AND FEEDLOT FOR TWO YEARSa AT ASHLIND FEEDERS, INC., FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
°2 N2 c°2 CHi* Total
18.6 80.7 0.6 0.0 99.9
3.7 74.1 16.7 5.4 99.9
5.8 82.4 11.7 0.0 99.9
Means of 72 determinations over 4 depths.
-------
The COD, POi^3, and pH data from the feedlot caisson showed no signifi-
cant differences when compared with the control caisson in the alfalfa
field. There were no marked differences in COD and POi^3 between the
feedlot and control caissons.
The data that showed important, but not alarming, differences are in
Table 18 for soil solutions. For the center caisson, the concentra-
tions of N03-N were very high near the soil-manure interface, but these
sharply decreased with depth. The groundwater beneath the lot had NOs-N
contents ranging from 7 to 11 ppm. Stewart et al. (25) found the aver-
age NOs-N content to be 10 ppm in groundwater in northeastern Colorado.
Headden (26) reported that samples of groundwater from the Fort Collins
Agricultural Experiment Station ranged in NOs-N concentration from 1
to 14 ppm.
One can explain the decline of NOs-N with depth at the center caisson
by considering the data in Tables 20-24 in conjunction with knowledge
of the nitrifying bacteria in the soil. Note that in Tables 22, 23,
and 24 the upper soil profile water tensions in the feedlot were fairly
constant over the year. There were no pulses of water percolating in
the feedlot as compared to the cropped alfalfa. The upper soil pro-
file was quite dry (it was difficult to obtain soil solution samples
with the ceramic cups). With a low soil water content, NOs-N movement
is principally by diffusion, a slow process in soil. Data in Table 21
showed that the peak in NOs-N concentration was reached at a soil depth
of 15.2 to 20.3 cm (6 to 8 in). In fact, the nitrifying bacteria were
inhibited near the soil-manure interface because of a combination of
factors: low oxygen tension (see Table 25); high osmotic tension of the
soil solution (see EC in Table 18 and low water content in Table 21);
and toxicity of NHs due to the high pH. Consequently, both the forma-
tion and the movement of NOa-N were severely limited. As the NOs-N
diffused away from the locus of formation, the low-oxygen tension
environment favored denitrification, and little, if any, N03-N reached
the water table. At the bunk site, nitrification was seemingly even
more restricted, and the groundwater had more NOs-N than the soil
solutions from high in the profile.
The intact manure pack was surprisingly stable and longlived as a sys-
tem to seal the soil so long as there was sufficient moisture and
animal traffic. An intact column of manure pack and underlying soil
has been observed for over 14 months in the laboratory. The only treat-
ment has been the addition of 6.35 cm (2.5 in) of water over the obser-
vation period and firming the surface (to simulate animal traffic).
The manure pack continued to generate CHi* and maintained a very low 02
content of about 1 to 2% in the soil below.
Composition and Amount of Percolate Using Vacuum Lysimeters
As anticipated at the beginning of the experiment, the Anderson (flat)
site allowed the most significant percolation. Percolation rates
69
-------
ranged from 0.03 to 3.0 cm C-01 to 1.2 in.) per year over the study
period. It should be noted that precipitation accounted for only 54%
of the total water applied to the feedlot during the study period. The
remainder, or nearly half, of the applied water was through animal
excretion. The average annual stocking rate at this site was about
32.5 square meters (350 ft2) per animal. With a higher stocking rate,
the fraction of water applied as precipitation would be even less,
because a large fraction of the water would be applied by animal excre-
tion, and soil water patterns correspond well with animal traffic
patterns. Areas near the feedbunk are continually moist. However,
this surface moisture pattern does not indicate the pattern of deep
percolation. Areas near the dry center of the lot had approximately
10 times the percolation of the wet area adjacent to the bunk, in-
dicating that the maintenance of a wet manure pack effectively sealed
the soil surface. During the study, the location of the feeding area
was moved, resulting in drying of the manure pack over the lysimeter
initially in the "bunk area." As a result of this drying, the perco-
lation rate increased over a period of several months to a level
comparable to that in the center of the lot. This observation suppor-
ted a previous hypothesis that alternate wetting and drying resulting
from partial-year operation contributes considerably to the potential
pollution from a cattle feedlot.
During the study period, the total, weighted percolation averaged
0.5% of the total water applied to the surface, or about 0.25 cm (0.1
in.) per year.
At the Ashlind site, no measurable percolate was collected at the 75-
cm (30-in.) depth of installation of the lysimeters. This conclusion
is supported by results of neutron soil water analyses, of which Fig-
ure 14 is typical. Although the water content in the upper 75 cm of
soil was increased significantly by the rainfall events, this water
was subsequently lost to evaporation with no significant changes appar-
ent in soil water content at deeper depths. During this same sequence
of events, soil water measurements near the feedbunk showed virtually
no change with time, further substantiating that the moist manure pack
forms an effective seal. The chemical composition of leachates ob-
tained from the lysimeters at the two locations is presented in Tables
26 and 27.
Values for all determinations were comparable to those to be shown
later for the caissons for soil solutions. The lysimeters at the
sloping Ashlind site never yielded sufficient leachate for determina-
tion of all the analyses, and by the end of 1971, the level, Anderson
lysimeters also had no leachates.
70
-------
VOLUME WATER CONTENT - %
10
100
E
o
I
200
300
8/18
20
30
9/30^
9/23
8/18- 9/23/69
4.47 cm
PRECIPITATION
Figure 14. Water content profile near center of lot at sloping site.
-------
Table 26. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF LEACHATES OBTAINED FROM VACUUM
LYSIMETERS IN FEEDLOTS NEAR FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Lysimeter Location
Measurement
EC (mmhos/cm)
at 25°C
PH
N03-N (ppm)
N02-N (ppm)
MVN (ppm)
N (total ppm)
3
P03
P (total ppm)
COD (mg02/l)
Bunk
2.75
7.68
1.83
0.250
0.93
12.28
0.245
0.755
358.2
Anderson
Intermediate
2.45
7.71
4.11
0.232
0.11
10.33
0.220
0.970
750.0
Center
11.29
6.26
767.33
0.081
5.38
887.36
0.170
1.033
3230.0
Ashlind
(Composite)
2.03
7.63
4.46
0.025
565.0
Table 27. CHANGES OF COMPOSITION OF LYSIMETER LEACHATES WITH TIME
FROM CENTER OF ANDERSON FEEDLOT
Date
6-25-69
8-6-69
9-3-69
11-6-69
4-14-71
10-8-71
Volume
(ml)
260
570
47
340
50
13
EC, mmhos/cm
at 25°C
6.72
18.20
19.40
23.00
0.20
0.22
PH
7.30
7.20
4.40
4.10
7.00
7.60
NH3N
(ppm)
280.0
1,550.0
1,630.0
1,144.0
0.0
0.0
72
-------
The leachates from the center lysimeter at the level site showed a
fluctuation in EC, pH, and NOa-N over the period of operation. These
changes are characteristic of a pulse of water and favorable nitrifica-
tion conditions followed by restricted water movement and unfavorable
nitrification (Table 27).
The small area enclosed by each vacuum lysimeter produced only small
amounts of liquid, thus limiting the frequency of sampling as well as
the number of determinations per sample. In general, the limited data
showed little, if any, contaminants moving through the soil profile
with an intact manure pack.
The lysimeter located in the center of the level feedlot showed a
fluctuation in flow and composition of leachates suggestive of an
initial failure to have a tight manure pack over the lysimeter. During
the time of a poor pack there was considerable flow of water with high
nitrate concentration. As soon as the manure pack was established,
both flow and nitrate concentrations were markedly reduced.
Experimental Feedlot and Lysimeters at Colorado State University
Animal Science Facility
An experimental feedlot equipped with butyl, rubber-lined, soil pits,
or lysimeters, was completed early in 1973. Data collection has just
started for the composition of soil solutions and gases, and only
tentative ideas can be drawn from the data (Tables 28 and 29).
The soil pits were filled with four combinations of soil as shown in
Table 28, with two replications of each treatment across the center
of the lot and at the bunk, for a total of 16 pits. The pits were
fitted with ceramic vacuum extractors and gravity drainage to obtain
soil solutions and gas diffusion tubes to sample soil gases. The
analytical data for soil solutions draining by gravity are presented
in Table 28. All the solutions obtained were low in NOa-N and low in
conductivity. There was no evidence of appreciable movement of NOa-N
in the artificial profiles.
In Table 29, the soil gas data show the effects on gas diffusion and
component concentrations by the two different fill materials and their
relative placement to the manure pack. For example, compare the
quantity of CH4 at 91 cm (36 in) in treatments 1 and 2. CH^ was high
in the sand and very low in clay loam. Comparison of the results at
91 cm (36 in} in treatments 3 and 4 indicates the restriction of CH^
diffusion by clay loam and its relative ease in sand. Also, these
data indirectly suggest the locus of CH4 formation was principally in
the manure pack.
73
-------
Table 28. NITRATE AND NITRITE NITROGEN, ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY
AND pH OF SOIL SOLUTIONS OBTAINED FROM LYSIMETERS OF
EXPERIMENTAL FEEDLOT AT FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, RIGDEN
FARM, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
Measurement
Treatment
description
1
Clay loam
2
Sand
3
Clay loam
over sand
4
Sand over
clay loam
Bunk
Center
N03-N, ppm
0.49
0.96
2.11
0.30
0.41
1.25
N02-N, ppb
12.8
62.7
228.7
12.3
40.3
90.5
EC
mmhos/cm
0.95
1.10
0.82
0.81
0.98
0.89
pH
8.01
7.69
7.95
8.01
7.88
7.91
74
-------
Table 29. AVERAGE SOIL ATMOSPHERE COMPOSITION (PERCENT BY VOLUME) OF EXPERIMENTAL FEEDLOT SITE
Ui
„ , . Treatment Number
Sampling
depth Gas
(cm) 1234
45 00
2
N2 Cl
co2 Io
«4
Total
91 02
N2
co2
ffl4
3.0
87.2
ay San
™ 9.0
0.8
100.0
4.0
90.2
5.6
0.1
2.8
A 73-1 n
d Cla
15.9 10!
8.2
100.0
3.8
72.9
16.1
7.2
3.1
86.0 _
y San
^ 8.8
2.0
99.9
4.4
88.8
6.5
0.3
2.5
73.8
id
13.2
10.5
100.0
2.4
85.8
8.9
2.9
Total
99.9
100.0
100.0
100.0
-------
NEBRASKA
Physicaj^ Properties of Soil Sores
In a laboratory experiment with four undisturbed soil cores from a
feedlot, average infiltration was 1.42 x 10 2 cm/day (.55 x 10~2 in/
day) or about 5 cm/yr (2 in/yr). In one core, having the slowest
infiltration, 1.5 cm (.6 in.) entered in 1 year and only 2 cm C-S in}
in 540 days (27).
Physical characteristics were determined on six undisturbed feedlot
cores from a Platte River valley site near Central City, Nebraska.
The undisturbed cores encased in plastic (28) were segmented into
sections 10 cm long (3.9 in.). The change in physical characteristics
of soil caused by cattle in the feedlot was very pronounced and was
limited to the top 15 to 20 cm (5.9 to 7.9 in.) of surface. Mixing of
soil and organic matter occurred above and below an interface boundary.
The most significant physical characteristic of soil profile in the
beef cattle feedlot was the interface zone between the organic and
inorganic layer. The interface zone is defined as the interface
boundary between organic matter and mineral soil, including about
2 cm (.8 in.) above and 8 to 10 cm (3.2 to 3.9 in} below the boundary.
This layer influenced the movement of water, air, and nutrients in the
soil profile and into the groundwater.
Bulk density of the soil was 1.70 to 1.80 g/cm3 (.06 to .065 Ib/cu. in}
in the interface section below the boundary. The bulk density of
sections below the interface decreased to 1.4 g/cm3 (.05 Ib/cu. in}
which was comparable to that of cropland. Average bulk density of the
organic surface section was about 1.0 g/cm3 (.036 Ib/cu. in}.
Organic carbon content was 9.3% in the manure surface layer and 2.4%
in the interface layer. Ten centimeters (3.9 in} below the interface
layer, the organic carbon content of soil was 1.2%, which was about
the same as in the soil of the surrounding cropland. The particle
density of the manure surface layer was 2.35 g/cm3 (,085 Ib/cu in.)
which was much lower than 2.68 g/cm3 (.096 Ib/cu. in} for mineral soil.
Air permeability of the feedlot surface and interface sections was 1.53
and 0.74 microns2 respectively, and it increased to 12.8 microns2 in the
section below. Intrinsic water permeability for the same layers was
0.030 and 0.029 microns2, and it increased to 0.51 microns2 in the soil
section below.
The high, organic-matter content in the surface and interface sections
caused a very gradual decrease in water content with increasing suc-
tion up to 0.67 bar (9.7 Ib/sq. in}. Large pores were absent and the
small pores were responsible for low conductivity of water through the
76
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profile. Moisture release characteristics were different on disturbed
samples of the same material. The change in pore volume and pore size
distribution of disturbed material from the surface and interface
sections caused a much greater change in water content over the same
range of section than in the undisturbed sample. It is important when
measuring physical characteristics of animal waste to use the correct
sampling techniques and the right kind of sample.
Soil-core, bulk-density patterns did not show a trend attributable to
feedlots. Some feedlot locations, compared with the adjacent cropland,
showed a higher bulk density for the first 2.4 m (2.6 yd). Average
bulk densities for the feedlot cores were 1.09 g/cm3 (.04 Ib/cu. in.)
for the silt loam and 1.79 g/cm3 (.065 Ib/cu. inO for the fine sandy
loam soils. The manure in the mounds had a bulk density range of
0.65 to 0.97 g/cm3 (.02 to .035 Ib/cu. in); however, bulk density
generally increased with depth, indicating compaction, continued
decomposition, and consolidation of the manure material (29, 30).
The water content in the feedlot soil profile was fairly uniform with
profile depth. The feedlot surface tends to reduce water infiltration;
however, results suggest a relatively stable soil-water condition with
limited water entry into the profile and no well-defined wetting fronts.
The profile beneath the mounds was generally drier than the surround-
ing feedlot profiles, which indicates a lower water intake.
Chemical Properties of Soil Cores
Sloping, Upland Feedlots
The sloping feedlots were found to accumulate nitrate in the upper
9.1 m (9.6 yd) of the soil profile (Figure 15). There is approximate-
ly 34.0 and 8.1 metric tons/ha. (15.2 and 7,4 tons/acre) more total N
in the feedlot profile than in the cropland (corn) and abandoned feed-
lot profiles, respectively (Table 30), part of which can be converted
to nitrate.
The nitrate remains in the upper 1.5 m (1.6 yd) of the profile, with
most of the nitrate located on the lot surface (Figure 15). Water
samples were obtained from 43 core sites and 9 (21%) were above 10 ppm
N03-N. The mean N03-N concentration was 7.2 ppm. The highest concen-
trations above 10 ppm were generally flat, upland feedlot sites with
a water table at less than 6.1 m (6.7 yd).
Flat Feedlots
The flat feedlots were located on the Platte River floodplain on
sandy-textured soil. The soil type resulted in 32.5 metric tons/ha.
(14.5 ton/acre) total N, lower than observed under the other feedlot
condition (Table 30).
77
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Or
VJ
00
UPLAND FEEDLOTS, 59 cores
o-o FEEDLOTS, RIVER VALLEY, 28 cores
*—• UNDER MOUNDS> 10 cores
ABANDONED FEEDLOTS, 6 cores
40
BO
NO>N, ppm
Figure 15. Average nitrate distribution values in the profiles of sloping-
upland, flat manure mounds and abandoned feedlots
-------
Table 30. AVERAGE QUANTITY OF NUTRIENTS IN A 9.1 m PROFILE UNDER THE
DIFFERENT FEEDLOT AND CROP MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INVESTIGATED.
(kg/ha.)
Sloping or upland
feedlots
Profile under mounds
Flat (river basin)
feedlots
Abandoned feedlots
Crop feedlot rotation
Corn
Alfalfa
Grassland
No. of
profiles
59
10
28
6
5
10
3
8
Nutrients
Total
nitrogen
76,100
54,000
21,300
68,100
47,900
42,000
42,000
18,000
accumulated
NHlf+-N
3,740
6,840
1,900
716
347
319
403
224
to 9.1
N03~-N
1,840
502
627
7,200
2,090
1,100
403
224
The 630 kg/ha. (562 Ib/acre) N03-N was one of the lowest quantities
observed for feedlots, with only the mound having less N03-N (Table
30) . Only 5% (1 of 20) of the water samples from the flat feedlots
contained in excess of 10 ppm N03-N. The highest N03-N concentration
detected in the water samples was 23 ppm, with a mean of only 4.2 ppm.
Mounds
The mounds are one way in which a feeder can temporarily stockpile and
store animal wastes deposited on the feedlot, and large quantities of
nitrogen are stored in this manner. In the feedlots cored in this
study, 394 and 170 metric tons/ha.(175 and 75.8 tons/acre) Kjeldahl N
and NH^-N were found in the average 4.0-m (4.4 yd) depth of mound.
In the soil profile under the mounds, only 53.8 metric tons/ha. (24
tons/acre) Kjeldahl N was found in 9.1 m (10 yd) profile. This
quantity was 22.4 metric tons/ha.(10 tons/acre) less than the upland
feedlots. The 9.1 m (10 yd) profiles under mounds contained the
largest quantity of NH^-N found in the cores, with 6.7 metric tons/ha.
(3 tons/acre). None of the water-table samples contained in excess
of 10 ppm N03-N,
79
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Abandoned Feedlots
The abandoned feedlots contained more NOs-N in the profile than any
other condition studied (Figure 14). In a 9.1 m (10 yd) profile,
there was 7.2 metric tons/ha.(3.2 ton/acre) of N03-N. This was almost
3.5 times the quantity of N03-N accumulated under any other feedlot
management system (Table 30).
Abandoned feedlot management appears to be an important consideration
in the accumulation of N03-N in a soil profile. One abandoned site
accumulated 19.4 metric tons/ha. (8.7 tons/acre) of N03-N in the 7.6~m
(8.3 yd) profile. Feedlots which were abandoned and then cropped
showed some decrease in N03-N levels throughout the profile; however,
variability within a single lot is too great to draw conclusions.
Two of three (67%) of the water samples had N03-N concentration greater
than 10 ppm. The average N03-N concentration for the water samples was
40.6 ppm, with a high of 77.2 and a low of 0.6 ppm.
Feedlot-Cropland
Five sites cored were used for cattle feeding. The feedlot-cropland
rotation has N03-N buildup characteristics intermediate between these
kinds of land use. There are large quantities of N03-N in the first
2.4 m (2.6 yd) of the soil profile and a large percentage of the cores
to 9.4 m (10.3 yd) have more than 10 ppm N03-N.
The 2.1 metric tons/ha. (.94 tons/acre) N03-N found in a 7.6-m (8.3 yd)
profile is more than in the feedlot but less than the abandoned feed-
lots. The NHifN levels were low compared with feedlots and comparable
to the cropland NH4-N levels. There was an increase in Kjeldahl N of
5.9 metric tons/ha.(2.6 tons/acre) over the corn and alfalfa but 28.2
metric tons/ha.(12.6 tons/acre) less than the feedlot. The nitrogen
data indicate that there is an increase in the N03-N levels in the
soil, which has not been utilized by the crops during the summer. The
maximum, mean, and low N03-N concentrations in groundwater samples
were 19.1, 13.4, and 9.7 ppm, respectively. Two of three samples
(67%) contained N03-N in excess of 10 ppm.
80
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SECTION IX
INVESTIGATIONS ON METHODS OF EXTRACTION OF NITRATE
FROM THE SOIL PROFILES OF ABANDONED FEEDLOTS
NEBRASKA
Introduction
When feedlots are abandoned, large quantities of nitrogen remain that
are readily convertible to nitrate. Even if the manure layer is
removed, quantities of nitrogen in the form of ammonium and organic
nitrogen remain in the upper portion of the feedlot soil profile. As
oxygen becomes available to the soil profile, these compounds can be
converted microbially to nitrate.
Recent soil-coring studies by Mielke and Ellis (31) have shown nitrate
concentrations beneath abandoned feedlots may become quite high. In
the abandoned feedlots sampled, the average quantity of nitrate-
nitrogen in the 9.1-m (10 yd) profile was 7,202 kg/ha.(6424 Ib/acre).
These nitrates at the deeper depths have moved below the plant root
zone and may eventually leach to the water table. Water samples
obtained from the groundwater below the abandoned feedlots (32)
ranged from 0.6 to 77.3 ppm N03-N (average 40.5 ppm).
Obviously, there is a need to limit or stop the movement of nitrate
from abandoned feedlots. This task might be accomplished by estab-
lishing a high-nitrate-requiring and/or deep-rooted crop on the
feedlot area when it is abandoned.
Objectives and Methods
The purpose of this study was to establish crops which will extract
the nitrates from the soil profile on the abandoned feedlot. Because
salt concentrations are high at the feedlot surface, provisions were
made by surface material removal and crop selection.
In the spring of 1972, a portion of a feedlot was abandoned and used
as the experimental site. A total of 12 plots, 4.2 x 6.1 m (5 x 6.7
yd) each, with 0.6 m (.66 yd) wide borders, was established. The
randomized plot diagram and treatments are shown in Figure 16.
Fifteen centimeters (5.9 in) of material were removed from plots 2, 4,
and 6 and replaced with topsoil from adjacent farmland. The topsoil-
addition treatment was included to alleviate any possible salt
problems. The plots were seeded with alfalfa and corn in May, 1972.
These crops have moderate-to-good salt tolerance and will remove
81
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I- CORN SOIL REMOVED
2-ALFALFA SOIL REMOVED
3-CONTROL SOIL REMOVED
4-CONTROL
5-CORN
6-ALFALFA
00
ro
6
Figure 16. Experimental plot layout on abandoned feedlot.
-------
nitrates from the soil profile. Duplicate soil cores were taken to
3.0 m (3.3 yd) from each plot prior to planting and after harvest in
the fall to assess the nutrient status of the soil profile. These
cores were analyzed for ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphorus, and
cations at 0.3 m (-33 yd) increments of depth. Plant samples and
yields were taken to determine the amount of nitrogen removed from the
soil profile.
Results
Crop yields and nitrogen uptake for the 1972 and 1973 cropping seasons
are shown in Table 31. The data show that the nitrogen uptake of the
corn in 1972 was significantly higher than that of the alfalfa; how-
ever, after the alfalfa becomes established, its nitrogen uptake is
greater than that of the corn. Nitrate analysis of the plant material
showed that the nitrate levels of the corn were 2,230 and 7,423 ppm for
N03-N in the stalk.
Table 31. YIELDS AND NITROGEN UPTAKE OF THE ALFALFA AND CORN ON
AN ABANDONED FEEDLOT
Forage yield Grain yield Nitrogen uptake
Treatment (metric tons/ha.) (hl/ha.) (kg/ha.)
1972 1973 1972 1973 1972 1973
Alfalfa ~~ ~~~
a b
Feedlot surface 5.15 16.76 110 441
Soil removed 3.83 13.37 84 348
Corn Forage
Feedlot surface 7.53 11.31 98 150
Soil removed 9.12 6.94 108 93
Corn Grain
Feedlot surface
Soil removed
65.8
73.0
96.7
71.9
72
78
128
95
Total of 2 alfalfa cuttings in 1972 (year established).
bTotal of 4 alfalfa cuttings in 1973.
83
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SECTION X
AIRBORNE POLLUTANTS
INTRODUCTION
Hutchinson and Viets (33) showed that volatilization of NH3 from beef
cattle feedlots contributed significant quantities of NH3 to the
atmosphere and potentially to surface waters. Their data indicated a
lake in the vicinity of a large feedlot absorbed enough NH3 per year
to raise its N content 0.6 ppm.
While NH3 would seem to be the principal form of N volatilized from a
feedlot, there is a possibility other forms of N, such as volatile
amines and heterocyclic compounds, also could contribute significant
quantities of N to.the air and, subsequently, to surface waters.
These compounds are not only odorous but also offer a metabolizable
substrate readily absorbed by water. Laboratory and confinement-unit
studies indicate volatile N-containing compounds emanate from, or are
contained in, manure. 'Merkel, Hazen, and Miner (34) found amines in
the atmosphere of a swine confinement unit. Aliphatic amines were
detected in incubated chicken manure (35). Burnett (36) showed indole
and skatole, among other components, contributed to the odor of
chicken manure. Deibel (37) also found indole to be an odor component
of chicken manure. Since volatile N-containing compounds are found in
chicken and swine manure, some or all of these compounds probably
volatilize from cattle manure, along with NH3, and contribute to odor.
NEBRASKA
Volatilization of Ammonia and Basic N Compounds
Ammonia and basic compounds, such as amine, were trapped in acid. The
traps were constructed as described by Hutchinson and Viets (33) and
were placed around a small feedlot at the Central City site, in and
adjacent to a cattle pasture, and on cropland at the Treynor, Iowa,
site. The traps, fabricated of wire mesh with a conical metal roof
and a plywood floor, were placed 1.5 m (1.6 yd) above the ground on
posts. Each trap contained a 750-ml (45.8 cu. inj) plastic dish filled
with 0.01 h[ H2SOI+. The trapping solution usually was changed every 1
to 3 weeks during the year, depending on the evaporation rate.
Two traps containing 0.02 N Na2C03 were included at the Central City
site on the east and west ends of the feedlot fence. These solutions
were tested for total N, Because of the alkalinity of this solution,
any N present would be due to dust contamination. This measurement
determines whether the N present in the acid-trap solution reflects
84
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absorption of volatile N compounds and/or dust contamination.
The acid-trap solutions were assayed for distillable N by steam distil-
lation with MgO into boric acid and titrated with dilute H2S04 (38).
Total N was measured in the sample by H2SOt+ digestion and steam distil-
lation with NaOH into boric acid and titration (39). Results showed
amines and basic N-containing compounds were probably absorbed in the
trapping solution along with NH3. Because some of these N-containing
compounds, probably short-chain amines, would distill and titrate as
NH3, the steam distillation value obtained here is called distillable
N rather than NH3-N. The distillable-N value is subtracted from the
total N value and called nondistillable N.
The method described by Ekladius and King (40) was used to test for
aliphatic amines.
Average values for distillable N absorbed by the three traps around
the feedlot and by two traps in the surrounding cropland are plotted
in Figure 17.
Distillable-N evolution from the feedlot was variable. No livestock
were in the feedlot until the first part of October. Periods of
appreciable precipitation during the fall sampling period were followed
by an increase in distillable-N evolution. The high distillable N the
first part of August coincided with rain and manure-mounding. This
peak was much higher than later peaks preceded by precipitation, so it
was assumed the surface disturbance caused by mounding increased the
quantities of distillable N being released. Mounding is practiced in
this area as a method of on-site manure disposal and to provide a dry
area for the animals. Distillable-N evolution increased greatly in
October when animals were placed in the feedlot and rain wet the
feedlot (Figure 17). As cold weather set in and precipitation
decreased, distillable-N evolution decreased. The spring was extremely
dry and distillable-N evolution did not generally increase with warming
weather until late March. Distillable-N evolution increased in late
March and early April even though the cattle were taken from the lot
in April and precipitation was limited. The increase in distillable
N trapped at the feedlot and controls during this period coincided with
application of anhydrous NH3 to adjacent cornfields. However, other
factors probably enter into the distillable-N increase in the spring.
Throughout the year, distillable N trapped at the feedlot site was much
greater than that trapped in the cropland. The yearly average values
were 148 kg/ha. (132 Ib/acre) per year for the feedlot and 16 kg/ha.
C14 Ib/acre) per year for the cropland, a significant difference at
the 5% level as determined with the F test.
85
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00
500
450
4OO
350
300
250
200
(30
100
(563)
CATTLE NUMBERS
107-
W-H\"H
JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR
TIME, months
Figure 17. Distillable N absorption from the air around a small feedlot and
adjacent cropland at Central City, Nebraska.
-------
Figure 18 shows nondistillable N from the traps around the feedlot and
the cropland. Obviously, significant quantities of N other than
NH3-N came from the feedlot. For the short period, the feedlot aver-
aged 21 kg/ha. C18.7 lb/acre)/yr nondistillable N, while the cropland
averaged 3.3 kg/ha.(2.9 lb/acre)/yr which was significantly different
at the 5% level. For the same period, distillable-N evolution was
218 and 23.6 kg/ha. (194 and 21 lb/acre)/yr for the feedlot and crop-
land, respectively. Total-N values from the traps filled with
Na2C03 during the same period were 1 kg/ha. (-89 lb/acre)/yr or less,
so the values obtained from the acid traps should represent basic
volatile-N compounds and not N from dust contamination (7).
The results obtained from the cattle pasture and cropland at Treynor,
Iowa, (Site 2) are shown in Figure 19. The values obtained from July
through November were tested with the F test, and the pasture area was
significantly different from the cropland at the 5% level. To the
middle of November, distillable N trapped around the pasture was
significantly greater than that trapped from cropland. In the latter
part of November, the cattle were taken off the pasture and put on the
cropland corn stubble. Consequently, from late November to late
February, greater amounts of distillable N were trapped from the crop-
land than from the pasture. For the year, distillable-N evolution
averaged 15 kg/ha. (13.4 lb/acre)/yr from the pasture and 11 kg/ha.
C9.8 lb/acre)/yr from the cropland. The distillable-N values in this
case probably represent NH3 almost exclusively. For the pasture, the
value for nondistillable N was 0.45 kg/ha. (.4 lb/acre)/yr and for the
cropland was 0.30 kg/ha. (.27 lb/acre)/yr (7).
COLORADO
Significance of Ammonia to Plants
Monitoring the disappearance of NH3 from an airstream flowing through
a small growth chamber containing a single corn, soybean, cotton, or
sunflower seedling about 15 to 25 cm (5.9 to 9.9 in^ tall indicated
that plant leaves absorb significant quantities of NH3 from the air,
even at naturally-occurring, low-atmospheric, NH3 concentrations.
Measured NH3 absorption rates showed large diurnal fluctuations and
varied somewhat among species, but differed little with the nitrogen
fertility level of plants within a species. The data indicate that a
field crop growing in air containing NH3 at normal atmospheric concen-
trations might satisfy as much as 10 to 20 percent of its total N
requirement by direct absorption of NH3 from the air. In areas where
the atmosphere has been enriched with NH3 volatilized from cattle feed-
lot surfaces, this fraction might be even higher.
87
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00
oo
in
o
o
CK
I- I.
— >»
2 X
40
30
Ul X
-i S
CD
U)
o
20
10
FEEDLOT
ONTROL
MAR APR MAY JUN
TIME, months
Figure 18. Nondistiliable N absorbed by the trapping
solution at Central City, Nebraska.
-------
CATTLE NUMBERS
oo
V£>
JUL AU6 SEPT
OCT NOV DEC
TIME, months
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
Figure 19. Distillable N volatilized from pastured cattle
and cropland near Treynor, Iowa.
-------
Foliar C02 and NH3 uptake rates measured in a typical 24-hour experi-
ment are shown in Figure 20. Details of the experimental procedures
used in the experiments are described by Hutchinson (41). The NH3
absorption rate shown in Figure 20 was relatively constant during the
first day, but dropped sharply at the beginning of the dark period,
apparently reflecting the closing of the stomata. It is important to
realize that, since the mass flow of NH3 into the plant chamber
remained constant, the lower absorption rate at night occurred in the
presence of an NH3 concentration about three times greater than the
day concentration; thus the difference in day and night uptake rates
is even more pronounced than is first apparent in the graph. Immedi-
ately after the lights were turned on the following morning, the NH3
absorption rate climbed rapidly and after about two hours reached a
plateau slightly higher than that which prevailed the preceding day.
The higher uptake rate on the second day is at least partially
attributable to an overnight increase in the leaf surface area. The
uptake of C02 followed a pattern similar to that of NH3 except that
the net uptake was, of course, negative during the dark period owing
to the respiratory release of the gas.
The total amount of NH3 absorbed by the soybean during the experiment,
about 70 ng, was nearly enough to saturate the amount of water con-
tained in the plant, if its pH were 6.50. Therefore, the absence of
any hint of NH3 saturation in Figure 20, along with the strong
dependence of the uptake rate on stomatal opening, lends support to
our contention that the absorbed NH3 was metabolized rather than
simply adsorbed onto exterior leaf surfaces or passively dissolved in
the water bathing leaf mesophyll cells. Additional evidence is pro-
vided by Porter et_ a^. (42) who found 15N-enriched amides, amino
acids, and proteins in plants previously exposed to labelled gaseous
NH3,
Subsequent experiments were designed to determine whether foliar up-
take of gaseous NH3 was limited primarily by the diffusion rate of
NH3 through air or by some biochemical or biophysical bottleneck
deeper inside plant leaves. Rates of foliar uptake of gaseous NH3,
net photosynthetic rates, and transpiration rates of corn and soybean
seedlings were computed from the changes in NH3, C02, and H20 vapor
concentrations of a gas mixture flowing through a plant growth cham-
ber in which a single corn or soybean seedling was growing. Results
of all the experiments are summarized in Figure 21 where the NH3
uptake rate measured under each set of experimental conditions is
plotted against the diffusion-limited uptake rate predicted by the
following equation for the same set of conditions: NH3 uptake equals
Ca/ra + rs5 where ca is the NH3 concentration of bulk air outside the
plant leaf, ra is the diffusive resistance to NH3 transport across the
boundary layer surrounding the leaf, and rs is the resistance to
90
-------
8
12 16
Time (hours)
20
24
Figure 20. Foliar C02 and NH3 uptake rates of soybean
(final leaf surface area, 89 cm2).
91
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diffusion of NH3 through leaf stomata and substomatal cavities to the
surface of a leaf mesophyll cell wall. The equation was derived from
the general gas diffusion equation based on the resistance model first
advanced by Gasstra (43) by applying a series of arguments leading to
the conclusion that both the leaf mesophyll resistance to NH3 dif-
fusion and the NH3 concentration in plant cell fluids are negligible
(41). The total of the two resistance terms in the above equation
was estimated for each set of experimental conditions from transpira-
tion, H20 vapor concentration, and temperature data by assuming that
air adjacent to mesophyll cell wall surfaces is saturated with
respect to H20 vapor, and that identical geometrical limitations are
imposed upon the diffusion both NH3 and H20 vapor as they move, albeit
in opposite directions, between wet mesophyll cell wall surfaces and
bulk air outside the plant leaves.
Figure 21 includes data for two different crop species and for exper-
iments conducted under a wide range of environmental conditions. The
ranges of environmental variables represented by data points_in the
graph were: atmospheric NH3 concentration, 150 to 1530 ug m ;
atmospheric C02 concentration, 50 to 540 ppm (v/v); air temperature,
18.7 to 32.9° C; and incident light energy, 0.3 to 0.7 cal cm min.
All the data points fall very close to the line rising diagonally from
the origin with slope equal to one, indicating that the NH3 uptake
rates measured experimentally were nearly identical to those theoret-
ically expected if the uptake were diffusion-limited. On the average,
predicted NH3 uptake rates were only about two percent lower than
measured ones. The conclusion drawn from Figure 21 is that the
observed differences among NH3 uptake rates induced by modifying_the
atmospheric C02 or NH3 concentration, air temperature, or light inten-
sity were manifestations only of the effect of these variables on the
effective cross-sectional area available for diffusion represented by
the sum of the areas of stomatal aperatures. Apparently, then, the
wet surfaces of corn and soybean mesophyll cell walls behaved as
infinite sinks for atmospheric NH3 over the range of concentrations
studies, and foliar NH3 uptake was limited only by the time required
for gaseous NH3 molecules to diffuse from external air through the
stomata to a wet, cell wall surface.
The importance of atmospheric NH3 as an agent for the transport and
redistribution of N both within and among ecosystems has been^vastly
underestimated. Cattle feedlots are apparently one of the major
sources of NH3 in the atmosphere. Research has shown that a signif-
icant amount of the NH3 volatilized from the surface of cattle feed-
lots is absorbed by soil and water surfaces in the vicinity of the
feedlots. The data invalidate the concept that only runoff and deep
percolation from cattle feedlots require control to prevent N
enrichment of the surrounding environment. Although control of runoff
92
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30 60 90 120
Measured NH3 Uptake ( f*.g dm"zhr~')
150
Figure 21. NH3 uptake rates predicted by equation C /r +
vs. NH3 uptake rates measured experimentally.
The diagonal line through the graph represents
all points with equal coordinates.
93
-------
into streams to prevent pollution by sediment, phosphorus, and organic
wastes justifies adequate and often expensive design of feedlot instal-
lations, N pollution may still occur.
Calculations based on the data in Figure 20 indicate that annual
absorption by plant canopies growing in air containing NH3 at normal
atmospheric concentrations could be about 20 kg per hectare. This rate
of NH3 supply is large enough to contribute significantly to the N
budget of a growing plant community and could exert a prodigious
influence on the long-term behavior of an ecosystem. Near cattle feed-
lots where the atmosphere is enriched with feedlot volatiles, foliar
NH3 absorption is probably even higher. Our data, together with data
on the absorption of atmospheric S02 C44) and 03 (45) by plant leaves,
also suggest an important role for green vegetation in the decontam-
ination of the earth's atmosphere.
Identification of Aliphatic Amines from Cattle Feedlot Volatiles and
the Effect of these Compounds on CktolMa.
Studies were initiated to determine if appreciable quantities of
volatile N-materials other than ammonia are evolved from cattle feed-
yards, to illucidate their chemical composition to determine their
effect on aquatic organisms.
Seven aliphatic amines have been identified and the presence of other
higher molecular weight N- compounds are suspected. The materials
identified and their concentrations relative to ammonia are shown in
Table 32 (46). These seven compounds are estimated to comprise about
five percent of the nitrogen volatilized from a cattle feedyard.
Efforts to separate these nitrogen volatiles from ammonia and to
identify them led to the development of a new gas chroma tographic (GC)
technique for the separation and characterization of aliphatic amines
and the revision of a method in which derivatives of aqueous solutions
of amines could be prepared for confirmatory analysis. The new GC
system (47) involved injection of aqueous sample5 of amine hydrogen
sulfate salts onto an Ascarite precolumn in a GC inlet chamber and
subsequent separation of the different amines on specific types of GC
columns. This method was also adapted to the analysis of aliphatic
N-nitrosamines (48) . The new amine derivative procedure involved the
preparation of stable pentafluorobenzamide compounds from penta-
f luorobenzoyl chloride and aliphatic amines in aqueous solution (46) .
As appreciable amounts of nonammonia volatile nitrogen were shown to
evolve from cattle feedyards, work was initiated to determine if the
aliphatic amines were biologically active in the surface waters which
can collect them. CkloleMa e£icp6 o-Ldna was selected as the test
94
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Table 32. ALIPHATIC AMINES IDENTIFIED AS FEEDLOT VOLATILES AND
THEIR CONCENTRATIONS RELATIVE TO AMMONIA
Concentration as
Amine of Ammonia
Methyl amine 1.0
Dimethyl amine 0.5
Ethyl amine 2.0
d-propyl amine 0.5
>c4o-propyl amine 1.0
n-butyl amine 0.1
n-amyl amine 0.1
organism. Studies were initiated to determine if the amines affect the
alga in pure culture. The initial studies showed that the amines
affect algal population growth. A 50 percent reduction in algal popu-
lation growth, PI ,2, was detected at amine concentrations ranging from
1.2 to 143 ppm amine-N (Table 33). Subtoxic amine concentrations
stimulated algal growth (Figure 22). Primary amines were more
inhibitory than -c40-, 4ec-, and dialkyl amines (49). The source of
inorganic N, ammonium or nitrate, had little effect on P^ values of
the normal primary amines and dimethyl amine. However,^initial N
source did affect the toxicity of the branched primary amines and
diethyl amine. Apparently the configuration of the amine is important
in its inhibition of the alga's metabolism. It was also found that
the alga could not utilize amine-N for growth, with or without an added
N source.
To attempt to illucidate the mechanism(s) by which amines affect C.
eJULip&oMza. metabolism the effect of methyl amine on the alga's N
metabolism, photosynthesis, and respiration was investigated. Methyl
amine accelerated ammonium assimilation (Figure 23) but did not affect
short-term nitrate uptake (apparently nitrate reduction is the rate-
limiting step in nitrate assimilation). A Lineweaver-Burke treatment
of ammonium uptake data (Figure 23) shows that methyl amine was not
competing with ammonium for the site of enzymatic ammonium assimilation.
95
-------
Table 33. STATISTICS RELATING ALGAL POPULATION TO AMINE CONCENTRATION
Nitrogen
Amine Source^
Methyl NO ~
O
NH4+
Dimethyl NO,"
NH/
4
Ethyl NO "
NH/
4
Die thy 1 NO "
o
.
NH4
n-Propyl N0~
NH/
tso-Propyl NO-"
NH4+
n- Butyl N03~
NH/
4
seo-Butyl NO,"
O
NH/
4
Regression
Equation
A
log y =
log y =
log y =
A
log y =
A
log y =
log y =
log y =
A
log y =
A
log y =
log y =
log y =
A
log y =
A
log y =
A
log y =
A
log y =
A
log y =
3.42-0.256x
3.39-0.072x
3.49-O.Olx
3.27-O.OOSx
3.30-0.006x
3.49-0.007X
3.49-O.OOSx
3.27-0.008x
3.54-0.005x
3.57-0.005x
3.48-0.002X
3.50-0.014x
3.45-O.OOSx
3.42-O.Ollx
3.47-0.003x
3.50-0.004x
Correlation
Coefficient
0.997
0.881
0.995
0.988
0.985
0.954
0.972
0.989
0.988
0.966
0.970
0.971
0.888
0.971
0.945
0.939
>,b
ppm
1.2
4.2
31.7
36.3
48.6
41.2
120.4
36.7
60.2
59.1
142.9
187.6
59.04
27.36
120.4
77.7
Cells were cultured in a nutrient solution containing either nitrate
or ammonium.
Concentration of amine which reduces the alga population growth by
one half.
96
-------
_L
ETHYL AMINE
j I • 1
10
20 30 40 50 60
AMINE-N CONCENTRATION (ppm)
70
Figure 22, Effect of amine concentration on C. ellipsoi-dea
population growth.
97
-------
vo
00
O.I I
o.io
^ 0.09
.c
z 0.08
e
> 0.07
0,06
0.05
0.04
0.001
y= 0.0863 + (0.387 )X
r = 0.968
y = 0.0549 + (0.454 )X
r = 0.804
0.005 0.01
1/C (1/ppm NH*-N)
0.02
Figure 23. Effect of methyl amine on C. elli-psoidea
airanonium-N uptake.
-------
Methyl amine also affected the alga's photosynthetic and respiratory
processes. Methyl amine concentrations of 2.5 ppm or less stimulated
oxygen production (Figure 24). The oxygen concentrations shown are
apparent oxygen levels; correction was made for temperature, pressure,
and solution phase oxygen, but not for respiratory consumption. With
more than 2.5 ppm of methyl amine, oxygen production decreased rapidly
with the increase in amine concentration. Algal oxygen production was
decreased by one-half at about 9 ppm amine-N. The amine also stimu-
lated the respiratory consumption of oxygen. During the 4-hour incu-
bation period with no amine added, 0.65 ml of oxygen was consumed
(Figure 25).
Aliphatic amines have been shown to inhibit isolated plant chloroplast
photophosphorylation (ATP synthesis). Even very high concentrations
of methyl amine (500 ppm) did not inhibit photosynthetic ATP synthe-
sis in intact C. eJttipA04,d&a cells. Apparently, aliphatic amines
affect the metabolism of isolated chloroplasts and algal cells
differently.
Chemical equilibria provide a method for describing the physical and
chemical behavior of aliphatic amines and ammonia in aqueous systems.
Close inspection of chemical equilibrium of gaseous amines with aqueous
surfaces suggests that volatile aliphatic amines from the atmosphere
are highly capable of concentration into aqueous systems. These calcu-
lations demonstrate that amines can concentrate in surface waters from
the atmosphere. Analysis of lake waters located near a large cattle
feedlot showed seasonal fluctuations in amine and ammonia concentra-
tions, but no large accumulation (Table 34). The compounds may be
metabolized by microorganisms or adsorbed by lake sediment.
To determine if there are organisms which decompose aliphatic amines
present in surface waters and sediment, samples of lake sediment and
water were incubated in the laboratory with methyl and dimethyl amines.
Both amines were readily degraded, with methyl amine being degraded
more rapidly than dimethyl amine.
The organisms in lake water and sediments may account for the lack of
an accumulation of amines in such waters located near cattle feedyards.
Apparently, microorganisms rapidly metabolize the amine-N, thus enter-
ing this N into the N cycle of the aquatic system. This idea is sup-
ported by the concentrations of amines measured by periodically
analyzing lake waters during the year (Table 34). During cold weather
(periods of low microbial activity), amine concentrations were highest.
The amine concentrations decreased as the seasonal temperatures
increased.
99
-------
1.2 T
0.9
STANDARD ERROR
5 10 15 20 25
METHYL AMINE CONCENTRATION
(ppm AMINE- N)
Figure 24. Effect of methyl amine on C. ellipsoidsa
photosynthetic CL production.
100
-------
0-61
_L
J_
J_
05 10 15 20
METHYL AMINE CONCENTRATION
(ppm AMINE -N)
25
Figure 25. Effect of methyl amine on C. elHpsoi-dea
respiratory CL consumption.
101
-------
Table 34. TOTAL DISTILLABLE N AND ALIPHATIC AMINE CONTENT OF A
LAKE LOCATED NEAR A CATTLE FEEDLOT
Total Volatile N Total Amine-N
Date of Sampling Cppm) (PPm)
3- 2-73b
A
4-19-173a
7- 5-73
8- 8-73
3.7
0.65
e
e
0.183C
0.052
0.018
£
3.
Located about 2 km east of a 90,000-unit feedlot
Lake was covered with about 10 cm ice.
cComposed of four identifiable amines: methyl, 94 ppb; dimethyl,
41 ppb; ethyl, 46 ppb; and isopropyl, 2 ppb.
No ice remaining on lake.
Q
No measurable volatile N.
No detectable amine.
NEBRASKA
Significance of Sulfur Compounds
Attempts to control odors and gases from beef cattle feedlots and other
beef-confinement areas have been mostly unsuccessful. Accordingly,
we must take a more basic approach to the problem. This involves
identification, quantification, and source delineation before control
measures can be devised. To date, only NHs and presumptive evidence
showing amines are volatilized from beef cattle feedlots have been
reported (7, 33). Therefore, more work is needed to identify odor
compounds from beef cattle manure and feeding areas.
The purpose of the following studies was to identify and quantify some
of the sulfur compounds and gases emanating from anaerobically incu-
bated bovine manure. These studies were conducted in anaerobic
102
-------
columns and in the feedlots. The compounds were measured with gas
chromatography.
Carbon/1 sulfide (COS) and hydrogen sulfide were detected above the
anaerobic manure (figure 26). Carbon dioxide, CH^, and 02 were meas-
ured also (Figure 27).
About 0.1 ppb of COS was detected in gas samples from caissons beneath
the solids retention basin of a broad-basin terraced feedlot. The
feedlot installation has been described previously. The gas was
detected also from the surface of the basin but not from the liquid
retention pond. These results show COS is produced in the feedlot (50),
Carbonyl sulfide has not been reported from manure or feedlots previous-
ly. It is present in natural gas (51) and in the gases from some vol-
canoes (52). The gas is toxic to the central nervous system and
decomposes to H2S CS3). It is speculated that COS could be an inter-
mediate in the sulfur scheme of bacteria. It is too early to assess
the importance of COS in the feedlot. Carbonylsulfide may be important
in closed confinement units; however, this would depend on the concen-
trations produced. Carbonyl sulfide might be a precursor to H2S and
more information is needed on such chemical reactions.
The results also show H2S and COS can be detected in very low concen-
trations which will be useful for management-system assessment.
103
-------
II
IO
9
8
7
_6
E
N
• COS FRESH MANURE
o H2S FRESH MANURE
COMPOST
18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36
4 68 10 12 14
TIME, days
Figure 26. Production of carbonyl sulfide (COS) and dihydrogen sulfide
(H2S) from anaerobically incubated manure and compost.
-------
• c
o c
FRESH MANURE
COMPOST
FRESH MANURE
a COMPOST
FRESH MANURE
COMPOST
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36
TIME, days
Figure 27. Gases present above anaerobically incubated manure and compost,
-------
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LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
Andre, C. E., and A. R. Mosier. 1973. A precolumn inlet system for
the gas chromatographic analysis of trace quantities of shortchain
aliphatic amines. Analyt. Chem. 45:1971-1973.
Burwell, R. E., G. E. Schuman, R. F. Piest, R. G. Spomer, and T. M.
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um Lysimeter for Monitoring Percolation Rates. U. S. Dept. Agr.,
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Elliott, L. F. 1972. Pollution of air, soil and water by livestock.
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Nebraska, (November) p. 23-28.
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Elliott, L. F., T. M. McCalla, J. A. DeShazer and E. R. Peo, Jr. 1974.
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Ill
-------
Elliott, L. F,, T. M. McCalla, L. N. Mielke, and T. A. Travis. 1972.
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Elliott, L. F., T. M. McCalla, N. P. Swanson, L. N. Mielke, and T. A.
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Elliott, L. F., T. M. McCalla, N. P. Swanson, L. N. Mielke, and T. A.
Travis. 1973. Soil water nitrate beneath a broad-basin terraced
feedlot. ASAE Trans. _16:285-286, 293.
Elliott, L. F., G. E. Schuman, and F. G. Viets, Jr. 1971. Volatilization
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Amer. Proc. 56:68-70.
Elliott, L. F., and T. A. Travis. 1972. Detection of carbonyl sulfide
and other gases above anerobically incubated manure. Agron. Abstr.,
p. 95.
Elliott, L. F., and T. A. Travis. 1973. Methods for measuring odorous
emissions from animal wastes. Agron. Abstr., p. 172.
Elliott, L. E., and T. A. Travis. 1973. Detection of carbonyl sulfide
and other gases emanating from beef cattle manure. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer.
Proc. 37_: 700-702.
Ellis, J. R. 1972. Characteristics of animal waste runoff. In:
Proceedings, Livestock Waste Management Research Review, Lincoln,
Nebraska (November) . p. 49-53.
Ellis, J. R., L. N. Mielke, and G. E. Schuman. 1972. Nebraska feedlot
soil coring study. II. Chemical findings. Agron. Abstr., p. 131.
Ellis, J. R., L. N. Mielke, and G. E. Schuman. 1975. Nitrogen status
beneath beef cattle feedlots in eastern Nebraska. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer.
Proc. 39(1):48-51.
Gilbertson, C. B., T. M. McCalla, J. R. Ellis, and W. R. Woods, 1971.
Methods of removing settleable solids from outdoor beef cattle feedlot
runoff. ASAE Trans. 14:899-905.
112
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Gilbertson, C. B., T. M. McCalla, J. R. Ellis, 0. E. Cross, and W. R.
Woods. 1970. The effect of animal density and surface slope on char-
acteristics of runoff, solid wastes and nitrate movement on unpaved
beef feedlots. Nebraska Agr. Exp. Sta. Bull. 508.
Gilbertson, C. B., T. M. McCalla, J. R. Ellis, 0. E. Cross, and W. R.
Woods. 1971. Runoff, solid wastes, and nitrate movement on beef feed-
lots. J. Water Poll. Control Fed. 43:483-493.
Gilbertson, C. B., T. M. McCalla, J. R. Ellis, and W. R. Woods. 1972.
Characteristics of manure accumulations removed from outdoor, unpaved,
beef cattle feedlots. In: Livestock Waste Management and Pollution
Abatement. Amer. Soc. Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan.
p. 132-134.
Gilbertson, C. B., T. M. McCalla, and A. T. Sobel. Analyzing physical
and chemical properties of solid wastes from livestock and poultry.
ASAE Trans. (In press)
Gilbertson, C. B., J. A. Nienaber, T. M. McCalla, J. R. Ellis, and W. R.
Woods. Beef cattle feedlot runoff, solids transport and settling
characteristics. ASAE Trans. 15:1132-1134.
Gilbertson, C. B., J. A. Nienaber, T. M. McCalla, J. R. Ellis, and T. J.
Klopfenstein. 1973. Energy and nutritional value of beef cattle feedlot
waste fractions as affected by ration. Agron. Abstr., p. 174
Hinrichs, D. G. 1973. Physical properties of a Colo silty clay loam
soil during 2 years' irrigation with effluent from beef feedlots and
water from a creek. M.S. Thesis, University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Hinrichs. D. G., A. P. Mazurak, and N. P. Swanson. 1974. Effect of
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Hinrichs, D. G., A. P. Mazurak, N. P. Swanson, and L. N. Mielke. 1973.
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113
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Linderman, C. L. 1973. No mud like this since 1932. Nebraska Farmer.
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114
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McCalla, T. M., L. F. Elliott, N. P. Swanson, and F. G. Viets, Jr.
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p. 126.
Mielke, L. N., and J. R. Ellis. Nitrogen in soil cores and groundwater
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Mosier, A. R., and C. E. Andre. 1973. Direct gas chromatographic
analysis of aqueous solutions of aliphatic N-nitrosamines. Analyt.
Chem. 45:372-575.
Mosier, A. R., C. E. Andre, and F. G. Viets, Jr. 1973. Identification
of aliphatic amines volatilized from a cattle feedyard. Environ. Sci.
Techno1. 7:642-644.
116
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Hosier, A. R., K. Haider, and F. E. Clark. 1972. Water-soluble
organic substances leachable from feedlot manure. J. Environ. Qual.
1:320-323.
Nienaber, J. A., C. B. Gilbertson, T. M. McCalla, and F. M. Kestner.
1974. Disposal of effluent from a beef cattle feedlot runoff-control
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Norstadt, F. A. 1971. Nutrients from animal wastes. In: Pollution
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growth; influence on the feedlot soil profile. Ph.D. Thesis, Univ.
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11-7
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Schuman, G. E,, and T. M. McCalla. Chemical characteristics of a
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120
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[I III I'OH I NO.
| EPA-660/2-75-015
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
ts on ilic reverse before completing)
•i. n n.L AND sun n rut
POLLUTION ABATEMENT FROM CATTLE FEEDLOTS IN
NORTHEASTERN COLORADO AND NEBRASKA
/.AUTHORIAL. K> Porter, F. G. Viets, Jr., T. M. McCalla,
F. Elliott, F. A. Norstadt, H. R. Duke, N. P. Swanson,
J--. N. Mieike. G. L. Hutchinson. A. R. Mosier. and G. E. s
H. r-tRt-oHMiNo OHO •VNIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
P. 0. Box E
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
I/. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
INTERAGENCY AGREE.MENT BETWEEN
U. S. Department of Agriculture and
Environmental Protection Agency
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSiOM-NO.
5. REPORT DATE
July 1974
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO."
EPA-IAG -04-044*
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
1C, SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
;ABSTRACT climatic factors, feedlot runoff, and organic material in the runoff were
evaluated in experimental and commercial feedlots. The effects of Slope, stocking
rates, terraces, basins, and holding ponds were evaluated to obtain the best controls
for containing runoff. In eastern Nebraska, 70 cm annual precipitation produces 23 cm
of runoff; whereas, in northeastern Colorado, 37 on annual precipitation gives only 5 5
cm of runoff. Large applications of runoff liquid, up to 91 cm on grass-Ladino and 76
cm on corn, in Nebraska did not decrease yields; however, in northeastern Colorado, the
concentrated high-salt runoff required dilution before direct application to crops! Th
organic manure-soil interface severely restricts the movement of water, nitrates,
organic substances, and air into the soil beneath feedlots. The amounts of N03-N in
soil cores taken from Nebraska feedlots and croplands ranked as follows: abandoned
feedlots > feedlot cropland > upland feedlots > river valley feedlots > manure mounds >
alfalfa > grassland. Feedlots contribute NH3, amines, carbonyl sulfide, H2S, and other
unidentified substances to the atmosphere. Ammonia and amine can be scavenged from the
air by green plants and water bodies. Anaerobic conditions in feedlots are conducive
to the production of carbonyl sulfide, H2S, and amines. Management practices, such as
good drainage, that enhance aeration will decrease the evolution of these compounds.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
Agricultural wastes
Cattle
Livestock
Waste disposal
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
Rainfall runoff
Animal wastes
Feedlots
Land application
Water pollution potential
Wastes characteristics
c. COSATI Field/Group
02/03
02/04
02/05
STATEMENT
Release unlimited
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
21. NO. OF PAGES
131
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
22. PRICE
KPA form 2920-1 (9-73)
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1975-699-155 125 REGION 10
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