Effects of Agriculture on Air Quality in Canada

Bittman, S.; Massé, Daniel I.; Pattey, E.; Cournoyer, Michel; Qiu, Guowang; Narjoux, A.; Sheppard, S. C.; Zaag, A. Van der

doi:10.1007/978-94-007-7557-2_11

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Most poultry also produce solid manure as litter with relatively few measures available to reduce N losses (Sheppard et al., 2009). More measures are available for conserving N from slurry manure produced by most dairy cows and pigs in Canada, including manure storage covers, acidification, and low emission spreaders (Bittman et al., 2014). Another approach is to separate slurry into liquid and solid fractions, the former a good N source and the latter a P and C source more suitable for composting, transport (Larney & Hao, 2007), or precision injection (Bittman et al., 2012).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, measures to reduce human exposure to ammonia should be focused on the sectors mentioned earlier. Comprehensive measures for abating ammonia from each animal sector are described in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Guidance Document under the Convention for Long‐range Transboundary Air Pollutants (Bittman et al., 2014).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the lower Fraser Valley, BC, PM 2.5 is typically highest in May and August–October causing measurable reductions in visibility with widespread economic consequences (Cecato & Saxton, 2019) and coinciding with peak outdoor human activities. Therefore, to reduce societal impact in this region, ammonia abatement can target peak PM 2.5 periods by measures such as restricting land‐spreading of fertilizer and manure, reducing emissions from poultry barns by acidifying poultry litter (with alum) (Bittman et al., 2014). These time‐ and sector‐focused measures may have less cost and a better outcome than typical year‐round measures.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Distribution of livestock sectors in Canada: Implications for manureshed management

et al. 2023

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Canada's livestock production and human populations are concentrated in southern regions. Understanding spatial and temporal distributions of animals and excreted nutrients is key to optimizing manure resources and minimizing impact of livestock. Here, we identify manureshed concerns and opportunities by reconciling nitrogen supply and demand on a regional and national scale. Data based on national statistics and farm surveys were allocated to homogeneous soil polygons (Soil Landscapes of Canada [SLC]) to quantify changes in nutrient distribution and ammonia (NH3) emissions across Canada (1981–2018). Livestock sectors tied to domestic consumption, dairy and poultry, were stable over time and well dispersed. Export driven beef production has moved west since 1981, whereas pig production was prominent in Manitoba, Quebec, and Ontario. Per ha manure N excretion across livestock sectors in 2018 was generally low with 58% and 6% of the SLCs averaging <25 and >100 kg N ha−1, respectively. Although only 3% of SLCs had average NH3 emissions reaching 16–200 kg ha−1, most of these were located near cities and emissions spiked in spring when more people might be exposed. The greatest concentrations of nutrients and livestock occurred around the three largest metropolitan areas: Toronto, Montreal–Quebec City, and Vancouver, posing challenges for nutrient recycling and public health. This study shows that as Canadian cities and livestock agriculture grow in southern Canada, so will challenges around food production, human health, and managing nutrients. Livestock and land use strategies are needed to reconcile changing animal sectors and growing populations.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Distribution of livestock sectors in Canada: Implications for manureshed management

et al. 2023

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“…These processes result in inefficient conversion of feed N into animal products, as well as potential eutrophication and acidification of land and water ecosystems. In addition, NH 3 reacts in the atmosphere to form fine secondary particulates that may have adverse effects on human health (Bittman et al 2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of changes in management practices and animal performance on ammonia emissions from Canadian beef production in 1981 as compared with 2011

et al. 2018

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The present study compared ammonia (NH3) emissions from Canadian beef production in 1981–2011. Temporal and regional differences in cattle categories, feed types and management systems, average daily gains, carcass weights, and manure handling practices were considered. A scenario-based sensitivity analysis in 2011 estimated the impact of substituting corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) for grain in feedlot diets. On average, 22% of the total nitrogen (N) intake was lost as ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) in both years. Manure emission sources were consistent across years, averaging 12%, 40%, 28%, and 21% for grazing, confinement, storage, and land spreading, respectively. Emissions per animal in 1981 and 2011 were 16.0 and 18.4 kg NH3 animal−1 yr−1, respectively. On an intensity basis, kilogram of NH3 emitted per kilogram of beef decreased 20%, from 0.17 in 1981 to 0.14 in 2011. This reduction was attributed to increases in reproductive efficiency, average daily gain and carcass weight, and improved breeding herd productivity. In 2011, substituting DDGS for grain in feedlot diets increased total NH3 emissions and losses per animal. Although addition of by-products from the bioethanol industry can lower diet costs, it will be at the expense of an increase in NH3 emissions.

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