You are here:
TOWARDS A VERIFIABLE AMMONIA EMISSIONS INVENTORY FOR CATTLE FEEDLOTS IN THE GREAT PLAINS
Impact/Purpose:
The overall goal of this proposal is to use novel measurement and modeling methods that will result in a software tool for predicting site-specific feedlot NH3 emissions. The use of this predictive tool within the current EPA reporting framework will lead to a verifiable NH3 inventory for feedlots in the High Plains. Furthermore, improved measurement and modeling of ammonia emissions from feedlots will also provide science based information to address other environmental questions linked to feedlot nitrogen dynamics, including: how do ammonia emissions affect nitrogen content of manure and potential water quality effects during storage or land application, are there correlations between ammonia and emissions of nitrous oxide, an important greenhouse gas; and how might environmental factors like climate change impact feedlot ammonia losses in the future.
Description:
Collectively, beef cattle feedlots in the Great Plains may be the nation’s single largest source of atmospheric ammonia. Unfortunately, the large uncertainty around these emissions not only affects the U.S. ammonia inventory, but also undermines attempts to understand and mitigate livestock-related air quality impacts on the environment. As of January 2009, the EPA requires cattle feedlots greater than 1,000 animals to report ammonia emissions to state and local authorities; however, no verifiable method has been developed to estimate these emissions on a site-specific basis. If feedlot managers had an software tool for predicting ammonia emissions that took into account climate, livestock diet, manure management, etc., the summation of these reports could be used to significantly improve the U.S. feedlot emissions inventory. The goal of this study is to use novel field measurements, new modeling approaches, and feedback from stakeholders to develop and evaluate an software tool for predicting site-specific beef feedlot ammonia emissions.