Diurnal Fluctuation and Movement of Atmospheric Ammonia and Related Gases from Dairies

Abstract

Simultaneous 24‐hour air sampling, 0.8 km upwind from the nearest cows in a large dairy area (145,000 cows) and 11.2 km upwind from the dairy area, showed distillable N (mostly NH3) concentrations of 190 and 6 µg/m3, respectively. An average distillable‐N concentration of 540 µg/m3 was measured during a 24‐hour sampling at the downwind corral fence of an isolated 600‐cow dairy. These data indicate significant N loss from dairy waste by NH3 volatilization. The significance of the effects of these higher atmospheric concentrations on NH3 absorption by soils, surface waters, and crops remains to be fully evaluated. Meteorological factors, particularly temperature inversions in the atmosphere and wind, along with proximity to the waste, greatly affected atmospheric concentrations of distillable N. A marked diurnal fluctuation with low concentrations in the afternoon and high concentrations at night were frequently recorded in the large dairy area. Higher nighttime values were related to temperature inversions in the atmosphere. A reversed diurnal pattern with the high afternoon and low nighttime concentrations were recorded at the isolated‐dairy site. Close proximity to the source and a high horizontal flux of distillable N with afternoon winds were important factors in this diurnal pattern. Winds averaging 9.3 km/hour transported distillable N 500 m from the isolated dairy at a height of 1.2 m.

Assessment of Long-Term Gas Sampling Design at Two Commercial Manure-Belt Layer Barns

“…11,12 In early agricultural air quality studies conducted from the 1950s to the 1970s, air pollutant concentration measurements in CAFOs usually only lasted for several days or weeks and collected small quantities of discrete samples. 5,[13][14][15] However, because of variations in seasonal and diurnal gas and IMPLICATIONS Reliable air pollutant emission inventories are based on field measurements and modeling that are constructed based on sound scientific data. They are essential for governmental policy-making and regulation to protect the environment without being unfair to livestock and poultry producers.…”

Influence of dietary crude protein concentration and source on potential ammonia emissions from beef cattle manure1,2,3

“…Thus, factors that increase urinary N excretion could increase NH 3 -N emissions (Erickson et al, 2001a). However, factors such as urine pH and soil moisture (Luebes et al, 1974), or chemical composition of excreted urine (Whitehead et al, 1989) can also affect NH 3 -N emissions.…”

Delayed NH3 and N2O uptake by maize leaves

“…NH3 concentrations in the range 0-013 to 0-0013 //I T' are commonly found (Keuken et al, 1989), while 0-25 /il r^ were recorded by Luebs, Davis & Laag (1974).…”

“…Non-antbropogenic ammonia emissions in Furope are far exceeded by anthropogenic emissions of wbicb more than 90% may be derived from agricultural activities (Keuken et al, 1989). NH3 concentrations in the range 0-013 to 0-0013 //I T' are commonly found (Keuken et al, 1989), while 0-25 /il r^ were recorded by Luebs, Davis & Laag (1974).…”