How Do Temperature and Rainfall Affect Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Open-Lot Beef Cattle Feedyard Pens?

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 1049-1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B. Parker ◽  
Heidi M. Waldrip ◽  
Kenneth D. Casey ◽  
Bryan L. Woodbury ◽  
Mindy J. Spiehs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Rainfall Event ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
High Plains ◽  
Simulated Rainfall ◽  
Recirculating Flow

Abstract. Temperature is a primary factor affecting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural soils, but little is known about how temperature affects nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from manure. The majority of grain-fed cattle in the Texas Panhandle are finished in large, earthen-surfaced, open-lot feedyards. Manure accumulates in feedyard pens and creates an environment high in nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) that can lead to N2O losses. In previous studies, N2O-N emissions from feedyard manure have been highly variable, ranging from negligible amounts from dry manure to 200 mg m-2 h-1 after a simulated rainfall event. The objective of this research was to determine how temperature affects N2O emissions from feedyard manure following rainfall. A recirculating flow-through, non-steady-state (RFT-NSS) chamber system with 1 m2 pans was used to monitor N2O emissions from beef cattle manure following a single 25.4 mm simulated rainfall event. Emissions were monitored at manure temperatures of 5.0°C, 11.2°C, 17.2°C, 21.5°C, 26.8°C, 31.0°C, 38.1°C, and 46.2°C. At all temperatures, a single N2O episode was observed following rainfall, peaking 2 to 11 h after rainfall with duration of 2 to 3 d. A second N2O episode was observed at temperatures =31.0°C, peaking 3 to 4 d after rainfall with duration of 18 d. When present, the second N2O episode accounted for 72% to 83% of the 20 d cumulative emissions. A step-increase in cumulative N2O emissions was observed between 26.8°C and 31.0°C, believed to be due to a major shift from denitrification to nitrification as the primary process of N2O production. Empirical regression models were developed for predicting cumulative N2O emissions based on temperature, which showed 88% agreement between predicted and field-observed N2O-N flux rates. These regression models will be useful for further quantification of N2O emissions from open-lot beef cattle feedyards in the U.S. Southern High Plains and for assessment of practices for reducing GHG emissions. Keywords: Beef cattle, Chamber, Greenhouse gas, Manure, Nitrous oxide, Precipitation.

Nitrous Oxide Emissions from an Open-Lot Beef Cattle Feedyard in Texas

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 1173-1183
Author(s):  
David B. Parker ◽  
Kenneth D. Casey ◽  
Heidi M. Waldrip ◽  
Byeng R. Min ◽  
Bryan L. Woodbury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Background Level ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Simulated Rainfall ◽  
Flux Chamber ◽  
Arithmetic Means

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas (GHG) with a global warming potential much greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2). Nitrous oxide is emitted from the manure-covered pen surfaces of open-lot beef cattle feedyards, and more than six million beef cattle are fed in the Southern Great Plains. A field research project was conducted to determine the temporal and spatial variability of N2O emissions from the pen surfaces of a commercial feedyard before and after simulated rainfall. Two week-long monitoring cycles were conducted in April and August 2018 in the Texas Panhandle. Temporal variability was assessed using six continuous automated flux chambers per pen, and spatial variability was assessed using a portable chamber at up to 61 locations in a single pen. Diurnal fluxes varied 5-fold to 10-fold over a 24 h period. Flux varied seasonally, with arithmetic means of 0.56 mg N2O-N m-2 h-1 in April and 3.21 mg N2O-N m-2 h-1 in August. Fluxes measured spatially across the pen surface over a 2 h period at midday were lognormally distributed, with April geometric and arithmetic means of -0.81 and 0.80 mg N2O-N m-2 h-1, respectively, and August geometric and arithmetic means of 0.095 and 2.6 mg N2O-N m-2 h-1, respectively. Fluxes peaked shortly after simulated rainfall. Arithmetic mean N2O-N flux for the 2 d after rainfall increased over the background level by 4.6-fold in April and 1.7-fold in August. Manure properties measured at the time of flux measurement were poorly correlated with N2O emissions and were of little value for predicting N2O emissions, which confirmed that further work is warranted on the biochemistry of feedyard manure. The results of this field research will help refine models for predicting N2O emissions from open-lot beef cattle feedyards and help to develop effective mitigation methods to conserve feedyard N. Keywords: Beef cattle, Flux chamber, Greenhouse gas, Manure, Nitrous oxide, Rainfall.

Temporal Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Beef Cattle Feedlot Manure after a Simulated Rainfall Event

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 733-740 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B. Parker ◽  
Heidi M. Waldrip ◽  
Kenneth D. Casey ◽  
Richard W. Todd ◽  
William M. Willis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Rainfall Event ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Simulated Rainfall ◽  
Cattle Feedlot

scholarly journals Greenhouse gas emissions from the water–air interface of a grassland river: a case study of the Xilin River

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Hao ◽  
Yu Ruihong ◽  
Zhang Zhuangzhuang ◽  
Qi Zhen ◽  
Lu Xixi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Sand Land ◽  
Very High

AbstractGreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from rivers and lakes have been shown to significantly contribute to global carbon and nitrogen cycling. In spatiotemporal-variable and human-impacted rivers in the grassland region, simultaneous carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions and their relationships under the different land use types are poorly documented. This research estimated greenhouse gas (CO2, CH4, N2O) emissions in the Xilin River of Inner Mongolia of China using direct measurements from 18 field campaigns under seven land use type (such as swamp, sand land, grassland, pond, reservoir, lake, waste water) conducted in 2018. The results showed that CO2 emissions were higher in June and August, mainly affected by pH and DO. Emissions of CH4 and N2O were higher in October, which were influenced by TN and TP. According to global warming potential, CO2 emissions accounted for 63.35% of the three GHG emissions, and CH4 and N2O emissions accounted for 35.98% and 0.66% in the Xilin river, respectively. Under the influence of different degrees of human-impact, the amount of CO2 emissions in the sand land type was very high, however, CH4 emissions and N2O emissions were very high in the artificial pond and the wastewater, respectively. For natural river, the greenhouse gas emissions from the reservoir and sand land were both low. The Xilin river was observed to be a source of carbon dioxide and methane, and the lake was a sink for nitrous oxide.

Effects of strategic tillage on short-term erosion, nutrient loss in runoff and greenhouse gas emissions

Soil Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 201 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Melland ◽  
D. L. Antille ◽  
Y. P. Dang
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Heavy Rainfall ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2

Occasional strategic tillage (ST) of long-term no-tillage (NT) soil to help control weeds may increase the risk of water, erosion and nutrient losses in runoff and of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared with NT soil. The present study examined the short-term effect of ST on runoff and GHG emissions in NT soils under controlled-traffic farming regimes. A rainfall simulator was used to generate runoff from heavy rainfall (70mmh–1) on small plots of NT and ST on a Vertosol, Dermosol and Sodosol. Nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes from the Vertosol and Sodosol were measured before and after the rain using passive chambers. On the Sodosol and Dermosol there was 30% and 70% more runoff, respectively, from ST plots than from NT plots, however, volumes were similar between tillage treatments on the Vertosol. Erosion was highest after ST on the Sodosol (8.3tha–1 suspended sediment) and there were no treatment differences on the other soils. Total nitrogen (N) loads in runoff followed a similar pattern, with 10.2kgha–1 in runoff from the ST treatment on the Sodosol. Total phosphorus loads were higher after ST than NT on both the Sodosol (3.1 and 0.9kgha–1, respectively) and the Dermosol (1.0 and 0.3kgha–1, respectively). Dissolved nutrient forms comprised less than 13% of total losses. Nitrous oxide emissions were low from both NT and ST in these low-input systems. However, ST decreased CH4 absorption from both soils and almost doubled CO2 emissions from the Sodosol. Strategic tillage may increase the susceptibility of Sodosols and Dermosols to water, sediment and nutrient losses in runoff after heavy rainfall. The trade-offs between weed control, erosion and GHG emissions should be considered as part of any tillage strategy.

Toward Modeling of Nitrous Oxide Emissions Following Precipitation, Urine, and Feces Deposition on Beef Cattle Feedyard Surfaces

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 1371-1384
Author(s):  
David B. Parker ◽  
Kenneth D. Casey ◽  
Kristin E. Hales ◽  
Heidi M. Waldrip ◽  
Byeng Min ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Empirical Modeling ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
List Type ◽  
Equivalent Mass ◽  
Fresh Feces ◽  
Feces Deposition

HighlightsNitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas emitted from feedyard pen surfaces.Experiments were conducted to quantify nitrous oxide emissions from precipitation, urine, and feces.Nitrous oxide emissions from urine were about 30% of those from equal amounts of precipitation.Regression equations were developed for empirical modeling of emissions.Abstract. The amount of moisture deposited annually as urine (~320 mm) and feces (~95 mm) on typical semi-arid Texas beef cattle feedyard pens is considerable compared to the regional 470 mm mean annual precipitation. Precipitation is a primary factor affecting nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from manure, but specific effects of urine and feces deposition are unknown. The objectives of this research were to (1) quantify N2O emissions following precipitation, urine, and feces deposition on a dry feedyard manure surface, and (2) develop equations for future empirical modeling of these emissions. Four experiments (Exp.) were conducted using recirculating flux chambers to quantify N2O emissions. Exp. 1 had treatments (TRT) of water (W), artificial urine (AU), and two urines collected from beef cattle fed high-quality forage (FU) or corn-based concentrate (CU). Exp. 2 had TRT of W, AU, and two feces levels (Fx1 and Fx2). In Exp. 3, N2O emissions were quantified from fresh feces pats. In Exp. 4, the effect of rainfall pH on N2O emissions was evaluated. Results from Exp. 1 showed that the W TRT had the highest mean cumulative N2O emission, while AU, FU, and CU ranged from 31.0% to 70.0% of W on an equal volume-applied basis. There was little correlation between N2O emissions and urine or water nitrogen (N) content. In Exp. 2, W again had the highest cumulative N2O. Cumulative N2O emissions expressed per unit of water added were 29.0, 3.8, 4.5, and 5.1 mg N kg-1 water added for W, AU, Fx1, and Fx2, respectively. In Exp. 3, fresh feces pats emitted no direct N2O, but N2O originated from the dry manure beneath the feces pat due to wetting. In Exp. 4, the highest N2O emissions occurred at pH 5 and pH 8, with lower emissions at pH 6 and pH 7. This research has shown that the addition of moisture to the pen surface from urine and feces contributes considerably to N2O emissions as compared to precipitation alone. The following recommendations were developed for future empirical modeling purposes: (1) N2O emissions from urine should be calculated as 32.7% of those emissions from the equivalent mass deposition of water, and (2) N2O emissions resulting from the mass of water in feces should be calculated as 15.6% of those emissions from the equivalent mass deposition of water. Keywords: Beef cattle, Greenhouse gas, Manure, Nitrous oxide, Urine, Precipitation.

Improved Chamber Systems for Rapid, Real-Time Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Manure and Soil

2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 1235-1258 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B. Parker ◽  
Kenneth D. Casey ◽  
Richard W. Todd ◽  
Heidi M. Waldrip ◽  
Gary M. Marek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Chamber System ◽  
Flux Chamber ◽  
Total N ◽  
Recirculating Flow ◽  
Flux Measurements ◽  
Flow Through

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N2O) emission rates have traditionally been measured using non-flow-through (NFT), non-steady-state (NSS) chambers, which rely on measuring the increase in N2O concentration in the sealed chamber headspace over time. These flux measurements are very labor- and time-intensive, requiring three to four gas samples collected over a 30 to 60 min period, followed by laboratory N2O measurement with a gas chromatograph (GC) and subsequent flux rate calculation. The objective of this research was to develop and evaluate improved, real-time flux chamber designs that rapidly quantify N2O emissions from manure and soil. The first chamber system consisted of six square 0.95 m2 chamber pans. The chamber pans were mounted on a rail system to facilitate controlled indoor/outdoor laboratory research at a pilot scale. An aluminum lid was moved among the chamber pans. A second portable chamber system with a circular footprint (0.49 m internal dia.) was designed for use in field measurements. With both systems, N2O concentrations were measured each second with 0.1 ppb resolution by recirculating sample air through a real-time continuous N2O analyzer with return flow into the recirculating-flow-through (RFT-NSS) chamber. Performance and observational data are presented for different chamber vent designs, sealing mechanisms between the chamber pan and lid, recirculation pumps, and presence/absence of an internal fan that mixes headspace air within the sealed chamber. As examples of the repeatability and precision of the methodology, ten consecutive flux measurements were obtained using moist manure (32.6% wet basis water content, WCWB) within a 15 min period in which chamber pans were fitted with lids for 60 s and removed for 30 s. The mean calculated N2O flux was 43.08 ±0.89 mg N2O m-2 h-1. Using dry manure (WCWB = 10.8%), five consecutive flux measurements showed a very low, but consistent, flux that averaged 0.025 ±0.0016 mg N2O m-2 h-1. Five case study experiments demonstrate the usefulness of these chamber systems and highlight discoveries and lessons learned to enhance future research efforts. Major discoveries and observations include: (1) installation of a small internal fan within the chamber lids decreased N2O fluctuation over small time periods, allowing precise measurement of manure N2O fluxes as low as 0.0073 mg N2O m-2 h-1 during a 60 s measurement period; (2) two distinct N2O peaks were observed at 1 and 21 d following the addition of water to manure (initial WCWB = 32.6%), with the second peak accounting for 83% of the total N2O emitted over 45 d; and (3) there was notable diurnal variation in N2O fluxes due to temperature variation, even when the manure was dry (WCWB = 10.8%). These flux chamber systems proved to be more rapid, precise, and repeatable than traditional flux chamber methods and offer promise for future greenhouse gas emissions research on manure and soil. Keywords: Cattle, Chamber, Diurnal, Fan, Feedlot, Greenhouse gas, Manure, Precision.

<i>Empirical Model of Annual Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Open-Lot Beef Cattle Feedyard Pens in the Southern High Plains</i>

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B. Parker ◽  
Erin Cortus ◽  
Kenneth D. Casey ◽  
Gary W. Marek ◽  
Kevin R. Heflin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Empirical Model ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
High Plains ◽  
Southern High Plains

Nitrous Oxide and Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle Feedyard Pens Following Large Rainfall Events

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 1211-1225
Author(s):  
David B. Parker ◽  
Kenneth D. Casey ◽  
Will Willis ◽  
Beverly Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Methane Emissions ◽  
Empirical Models ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Precipitation Event ◽  
Diel Pattern ◽  
Rainfall Events ◽  
Ch4 Emissions

HighlightsNitrous oxide and methane emissions were measured from a commercial beef feedyard following large rainfall events.Nitrous oxide emissions dropped below detection levels for ten days following a 77 mm rainfall event.Daily N2O and CH4 emissions followed a diel pattern, peaking at manure temperatures of 36°C to 38°C.Results will be used to refine empirical models for predicting GHG emissions from open-lot feedyards.Abstract. More than six million beef cattle are fed annually in feedyards on the semiarid Southern Great Plains (SGP). Manure deposited on the open-lot pen surfaces contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) are GHGs linked to climate change, and both have global warming potentials greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). Two sampling campaigns were conducted in 2019 to quantify N2O and CH4 emissions from open-lot pen surfaces. The occurrence of large, unforecast rainfall events during both campaigns provided an opportunity to compare GHG emissions from the dry manure before rainfall and from the wetted pen surface for one to two weeks following precipitation. Temporal variability was quantified by continuous sampling using six to eight automated flux chambers, a multiplexer system, and real-time analyzers. Spatial variability was quantified using a recirculating portable chamber on a 5 × 8 grid. Nitrous oxide emissions dropped below detection levels for ten days after the precipitation event. Nitrous oxide emissions were related to nitrification or other aerobic processes. Methane emissions dropped below detection levels for five days after the precipitation event and then increased to pre-rainfall levels by day 8. When present, N2O and CH4 emissions followed a diel pattern, with the highest emissions occurring during the afternoon when manure pack temperatures at the 25 mm depth were 36°C to 38°C and ambient temperatures were 31°C to 32°C. Average CH4 emissions from the feedyard pen surface were 96-fold lower than estimated enteric CH4 emissions. The results of this field research will be used to refine empirical models for predicting annual N2O and CH4 emissions from open-lot beef cattle feedyards on the semiarid SGP. Keywords: Beef cattle, Flux chamber, Greenhouse gas, Manure, Nitrous oxide, Rainfall.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Novel Poultry Litter Amendment on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 563
Author(s):  
Kelsey Anderson ◽  
Philip A. Moore ◽  
Jerry Martin ◽  
Amanda J. Ashworth
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Poultry Litter ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Gaseous Emissions ◽  
Poultry Facilities

Gaseous emissions from poultry litter causes production problems for producers as well as the environment, by contributing to climate change and reducing air quality. Novel methods of reducing ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in poultry facilities are needed. As such, our research evaluated GHG emissions over a 42 d period. Three separate flocks of 1000 broilers were used for this study. The first flock was used only to produce litter needed for the experiment. The second and third flocks were allocated to 20 pens in a randomized block design with four replicated of five treatments. The management practices studied included an unamended control; a conventional practice of incorporating aluminum sulfate (referred to as alum) at 98 kg/100 m2); a novel litter amendment made from alum mud, bauxite, and sulfuric acid (alum mud litter amendment, AMLA) applied at different rates (49 and 98 kg/100 m2) and methods (surface applied or incorporated). Nitrous oxide emissions were low for all treatments in flocks 2 and 3 (0.40 and 0.37 mg m2 hr−1, respectively). The formation of caked litter (due to excessive moisture) during day 35 and 42 caused high variability in CH4 and CO2 emissions. Alum mud litter amendment and alum did not significantly affect GHGs emissions from litter, regardless of the amendment rate or application method. In fact, litter amendments such as alum and AMLA typically lower GHG emissions from poultry facilities by reducing ventilation requirements to maintain air quality in cooler months due to lower NH3 levels, resulting in less propane use and concomitant reductions in CO2 emissions.

scholarly journals Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Livestock Manure Management in Southwestern Siberia, Russia

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Storrle ◽  
Hans-Jorg Brauckmann ◽  
Gabriele Broll
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Pollution ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Small Farms ◽  
Tyumen Oblast

This study investigates the amounts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to manure handling within different livestock production systems in Tyumen oblast of Western Siberia. Tyumen oblast occupies approx. 160 000 km² of Asian taiga and forest steppe. The amount of GHGs from manure was calculated as a function of the handling according to current IPCC guidelines for ecozones and livestock production systems. The entire Tyumen oblast has annual 7 400 t methane emissions and 440 t nitrous oxide emissions from manure. Three livestock production systems are prevalent in Tyumen oblast: Mega farms, small farms and peasant farms. The share of mega farms is 81 % (171 kt CO2 eq). Additionally, the slurry system in mega farms causes environmental pollution. GHG emissions and environmental pollution could be reduced by implementing solid manure systems or pasturing, by installing storage facilities for slurry outside the stables and through application of the manure as fertiliser at mega farms. In small farms solid manure systems and a small stocking density of livestock lead to smallest GHG emissions (1 %, 3 kt CO2 eq) from manure. In peasant farming 18 % (38 kt CO2 eq) of GHGs are emitted due to pasturing. 

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