Nutrient and microbial transport from feedlot surfaces

John E. Gilley, Elaine D. Berry, Roger A. Eigenberg, David B. Marx, Bryan L. Woodbury

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Nutrient and microbial transport by runoff may vary at different locations within a beef cattle feedlot. If the areas making the largest contributions to nutrient and microbial transport can be identified, it may be possible to institute site-specific management practices to reduce runoff nutrient and microbial transport. The objectives of this study were to: a) measure selected feedlot soil properties, and nutrient and microbial transport in runoff from various feedlot locations b) compare the effects of unconsolidated surface materials (USM) (loose manure pack) and consolidated subsurface materials (CSM) (compacted manure and underlying layers) on nutrient and microbial transport, and c) determine if nutrient and microbial transport in runoff are correlated to selected feedlot soil characteristics. Simulated rainfall events were applied to 0.75-m wide by 2-m long plots. No significant differences (P < 0.05) in feedlot soil characteristics or nutrient transport in runoff were found between USM and CSM. However, concentrations of E. coli were significantly greater in the USM than the CSM. Pen location was found to significantly influence feedlot soil measurements of Bray 1-P, calcium, chloride, copper, electrical conductivity (EC), loss on ignition, organic-N, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur, total N (TN), water soluble P, and zinc. Runoff measurements of dissolved phosphorus (DP), EC, and NH4-N were significantly influenced by pen location and were correlated to selected feedlot soil characteristics. Thus, it may be possible to estimate DP, EC, and NH 4-N in runoff from selected feedlot soil parameters.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2008, ASABE 2008
PublisherAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Pages327-342
Number of pages16
ISBN (Print)9781605605364
StatePublished - 2008
EventAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2008 - Providence, RI, United States
Duration: Jun 29 2008Jul 2 2008

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2008, ASABE 2008
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2008
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityProvidence, RI
Period6/29/087/2/08

Keywords

  • Beef cattle
  • Feedlots
  • Manure management
  • Manure runoff
  • Microorganisms
  • Nitrogen movement
  • Nutrient losses
  • Phosphorus
  • Runoff
  • Water quality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)

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