K-State researchers are working on a system that will help monitor nitrogen-compound emissions from cattle feedlots and other sources.
Cattle feedlots are a significant source of atmospheric ammonia in the United States. Ammonia reacts with acid in the air, forming particles. It also causes regional haze. More important, it causes the deposition of nitrogen both locally and in distant areas. Nitrogen deposition can affect rivers and lakes and alter vegetation in native ecosystems from prairies to forests.
During the past three years, K-State hasdesigned and tested a Relaxed Eddy Accumulation system to measure nitrogen-compound emissions from cattle feedlots and other strong nitrogen sources. The system consists of numerous sensors on a tower that is constructed near a feedlot. The objective is to learn about where the nitrogen is located within a feedlot system and where it is transported.
"Statistics show that about 30 to 40 percent of all feed nitrogen delivered to a pen is ultimately lost to the air as ammonia," said Jay Ham, professor of agronomy. "We want to know exactly how much ends up in the air, and if those levels have any impact on the environment. Through our research, we hope to deliver solid scientific information to producers and regulators. The data collected during the past few years is currently being analyzed and documented. The ultimate goal is to develop management systems that keep ammonia emissions to a minimum."