S-1000 Regional Project - Ohio 2003 Station Report

S-1000 Regional Project
Animal Manure and Waste Utilization, Treatment and Nuisance Avoidance for a Sustainable Agriculture
2003 Station Reports

Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center/The Ohio State University
1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691

REPORTING SCIENTIST & DEPARTMENTS
H.M. Keener, D.L. Elwell, F.C. Michel Jr., L. Zhao. Department of Food, Agricultural, Biological Engineering [keener.3@osu.edu, elwell.1@osu.edu, michel.36@osu.edu, zhao.119@osu.edu], H.A.J. Hoitink, Department of Plant Pathology [hoitink.1@osu.edu], L.B. Willett, Department of Animal Science [willett.2@osu.edu], J.M. Smith, OSUE [smith.132@osu.edu], W. Dick, School of Natural Resources [dick.5@osu.edu]

SUMMARY OF WORK
Objective 1. Develop management tools …. Task 1. Methods to reduce nutrient movement from land application sites into surface and groundwater.

a) PI: H.M. Keener, J.M. Smith, W. Dick, (others to be identified)
b) PROGRESS:
Leaching through soil. The effect of soil tillage and rainfall variables on leaching of pathogenic bacteria following land application of liquid dairy manure was studied. Soil blocks were collected from a no-tillage (NT) field and the surface soil of seven blocks was tilled 10 cm deep to mimic a plow tillage (PT) treatment. Each block received 1 L of liquid dairy manure (2% solids) containing Campylobacter jujuni and nonpathogenic E. coli O157:H7. The total numbers of E. coli O157:H7 in leachate from NT blocks was higher than in leachate from PT blocks. Increasing the time period (from 4 to 48 h) between manure application and a large rainfall event did not affect the numbers of E. coli O157:H7 that leached through the soil. However, this time difference did affect numbers for a rain 72 h later after the first rain with less E. coli leaching through the soil when the first rain was delayed until 48 h after manure application. The total numbers of Campylobacter jejuni in leachate varied with the treatments in the same way as the numbers of E. coli O157:H7. In conclusion, NT causes increased initial leaching of liquid manure and pathogens compared to PT. However, if there is sufficient time for the manure to soak into the soil volume, subsequent transport of rain through the NT soil block bypasses the pathogens in the soil volume, resulting in lower numbers of transport (Dick and Pang, 2003, unpublished).
Emergency Planning. A paper was prepared on manure spill emergency management since a common sense emergency plan is vital to any livestock farm. If an emergency plan is properly prepared by management and reviewed with employees, it will help prevent accidental spills and give guidance so a spill can be cleaned up properly if it should occur (Smith, 2003).

c) Usefulness of Findings:
Results showed farmer can mitigate potential for leaching of pathogenic bacteria associated with manure by timing manure applications to occur at least 48 hours before rainfall.
Procedures for implementation of “emergency manure spill management” at farm level presented.
d) Work Planned 2003/4:
Continue development of a project titled "Minimization of incorporated 'liquid manure' via macropores into tile lines and waterways." Field observations have shown entry of liquid manures into tile lines has occurred in Ohio. Project would develop and evaluate manure management strategies to minimize or eliminate event from happening.
Start a new project on nutrient runoff from windrow composting systems. Leachate is an issue when composting animal/bedding mixes outdoors in wet climates. Proposed study would be done using full scale windrows and a rainfall simulator to monitor runoff amounts and nutrient levels in runoff as function of time for storm events. Importance is to provide data to size treatment systems needed for on farm composting facilities.

Objective 2. Develop and evaluate innovative application of engineered biological treatment processes to stabilize waste, reduce odor, and manage nutrients. Task 1. Develop and evaluate innovative applications of engineered biological treatment processes to stabilize waste, reduce odor, and manage nutrients. Task 4. Develop and evaluate biological or thermochemical treatment of animal manures for conversion into value-added products.
a) PI's: H.M. Keener, D.L. Elwell, F.C. Michel Jr., H.A.J. Hoitink, L.B. Willett, W. Dick, L. Zhao
b) PROGRESS:

Research has focused on managing manures from poultry, swine, dairy and equine operations with emphasis on reducing odors, producing a solid waste, and composting to produce a value added product.

Task 1. Develop and evaluate innovative applications …..

Poultry Manure. Activities reported on in 2002 (Keener et al., 2002a, 2003b, Ekinci et al., 2001, 2002)
Swine Manure. Studies continued on the High-Rise® Hog Building (HRHB), a novel hog production system in which drying and partial composting of manure occurs to improve utilization and eliminate liquid manure production. A mass balance approach was used to study nutrient (manure, N, P, K, H2O) translocation through a commercial scale HRHB and an associated commercial composting system. Nutrient mass balances were conducted during both summer and winter operation with the balance based on total hog weights, feed intake analysis, manure accumulation, and water usage, as well as initial and final compost weight. Results from both summer and winter operations showed that the weight of bedding used was approximately 45 kg/head, hogs gained weight at an average rate of 0.86 kg/head/day, feed consumption was 2.4 kg/head/day, solid or semisolid manure accumulated at a rate of 0.63 kg/head/day, and the nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium losses from the HRHB were about 2.67 kg/head, 0.1 kg/head and 0.75 kg/head, respectively, representing 43,10 and 47% of the initial nutrient amounts. Windrow composting data showed that only 15% nitrogen, 8% potassium, and negligible phosphorus of initial manure/amendment mixture were lost throughout a 100 days composting process. The nutrient balance results will be used to conduct a comparative assessment of currently used and other alternative hog production and manure management systems (Sun, 2003).
Analysis of the economics of three swine total confinement systems where compared based on production factors, with emphasis on manure handling and odor reduction technologies. Systems compared were conventional deep-pit confinement houses, HIGH-RISE™ hog building (HRHB), and hoop structure or hoop house. The conventional finishing floor had a one-time capacity of 1,000 head, the HRHB a capacity of 960 head per production cycle, and the hoop system 450 pigs per cycle. Starting weight averaged 36 lb/pig in the Iowa study and 50 lb/pig for the conventional and HRHB systems. Days required to attain an average weight of approximately 260 lb live weight at sale were: hoop system 133 days to gain an average of 227 lb of growth, conventional require 119days to gain 206, and HRHB systems 115 days to gain 209 lb of growth. Total fixed costs for the conventional systems and HRHB were about seven times as much as the hoop system because of the total number of hogs used in the analysis. Normalizing fixed cost on a per hog marketed basis showed $10.87, $12.20 and $4.85 per hog marketed, respectively, a $6 to $7 advantage for the hoop house. When variable cost were added to fixed cost, each production system had similar total cost structure of $105-$109 per pig marketed. As hauling distance increased from 1/2 mile to 2 miles, total cost increased $0.22-$0.30/pig for the solid manure systems and $0.69/pig for the liquid system. Results for the three systems analyzed, using current available data, showed solid manure handling to be economical. The hoop system gave the highest return to management chiefly because of the low capital investment (Rausch and Keener, 2003).
Dairy Manure- Survey. Analysis of the survey of “Ohio Dairy Manure Management Practices" continued. The survey was mailed randomly to 800 dairy farms throughout Ohio (approximately 20% of total dairy farms) to assess current manure handling practices. Thirty eight percent of the survey recipients responded by filling out and returning the questionnaire. The purpose of the survey was to establish those factors that most influence the type of bedding materials chosen by farmers. It determines manure handling system options open to farmers. The average herd size was approximately 73 milking cows. Bedding preferences were straw, sawdust, sand and others, in descending order of utilization frequency by farm. Sand and sawdust were utilized more frequently on large farms. The majority of farmers used an organic type of bedding material which lends itself very well to composting. However, only 9% of the respondents stated that they are currently composting some portion of the manure stream. (Michel Jr. and Keener, 2003, unpublished data).
Dairy Manure - Field Studies. Design of composting systems for farmers has been hindered by the limited amount of information on the quantities and volumes of compost produced relative to farm size and manure generated, and the impact of amendments on water, dry matter, volume and nitrogen losses during the composting process. Amendment type can affect the free air space, decomposition rate, temperature, C:N ratio and oxygen levels during composting. Amendments also initially increase the amount of material that must be handled. A better understanding of amendment effects should help farmers optimize, and potentially reduce costs associated with composting. Analysis was done on composting studies using free stall dairy manure (83% moisture) amended with either hardwood sawdust or straw and composted for 110-155 days in turned windrows in four replicated trials that began on different dates. Initial C:N ratios of the windrows ranged from 25:1 to 50:1 due to variations in the source and N-content of the manure. Results showed that starting windrow volume for straw amended composts was 2.1 to 2.6 times greater than for sawdust amendment. Straw amended composts had low initial bulk densities with high free air space values of 75-93%. This led to lower temperatures and near ambient interstitial oxygen concentrations during composting. While all sawdust-amended composts self-heated to temperatures >55°C within 10 days, maintained these levels for more than 60 days and met EPA and USDA pathogen reduction guidelines, only two of the four straw amended windrows reached 55°C and none met the guidelines. In addition, sawdust amendment resulted in much lower windrow oxygen concentrations (< 5%) during the first 60 days. Both types of compost were stable after 100 days as indicated by CO2 evolution rates <0.5 mg CO2-C/g VS/dy. Both types of amendments also led to extensive manure volume and weight reductions even after the weight of the added amendments were considered. Straw amendment resulted in greater volume decreases than sawdust amendment due to greater changes in bulk density and free air space. Through composting, farmers can reduce the volume and weights of material to be hauled by 50 to 80% based on equivalent nitrogen values of the stabilized compost as compared to unamended, uncomposted dairy manure. Moisture management proved critical in attaining reductions in manure weight during composting. The initial total manure nitrogen lost during composting ranged from 7% to 38%. P and K losses were from 14 to 39% and from 1 to 38%, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between C:N ratio and nitrogen loss (R2=0.78) and carbon loss (R2=0.86) during composting. An initial C:N ratio of greater than 40 is recommended to minimize nitrogen loss during dairy manure composting with sawdust or straw amendments (Michel Jr., et al., 2003).
Computer Modeling/System Optimization. Manure management has become a major issue on farms as they have expanded and require larger land bases for application. Composting is being adopted by farmers as a method to process manure, which reduces transportation cost and facilitates utilization while protecting the environment. However, minimizing the cost of producing compost is necessary if farmers are to adopt composting as a strategy for manure management. Computer simulation models allow management to better understand the interaction of biological, environmental, and physical factors on the cost of operating a system. Thus, to assist farmers in decision making, governing equations for design and operation of composting systems have been incorporated into an Excel spreadsheets to show the interdependence of biological and physical factors for aerobic composting. The computer spreadsheet model developed consisted of four sections: formulation of compost mix to meet C/N and moisture requirements; design of pad showing areas for composting and curing including pile sizes and numbers; evaluation of process for dry matter and moisture losses, airflow and fan size requirements; and a summary sections giving input and output masses and volumes, fan energy cost. Kinetic data from 1988-2002 studies on biosolids and dairy manure composting were used as input to the spreadsheet model to illustrate its use to optimized system design and minimize composting cost. Dry matter and moisture loss, compost pad area and energy cost were evaluated as functions of: materials used and mixing ratio, fan sizing and on/off operation, pile shape and size and consolidation frequency. Results showed: 1) to minimize pad area maximize pile cross section, reduce amendments to mix, minimize pile numbers and distances between piles and shorten stage one of composting process; 2) to minimize fan fixed and operating cost, design should be based on 5-10oC above optimal temperature for decomposition. Futher optimization studies were done on dairy manure/sawdust mixes using 2001 data from pilot scale studies. Those studies used intermittent aeration and showed a 16% NH3-N losses, while maintaining a rate of decomposition of about 0.015 kg/kgvs-day. Simulation results showed using limited amounts of recycled compost and composting manure in two stages could reduced cost significantly. For example, composting 28 days using windrows and then composting/curing for 152 days using large blocks reduced pad area by 15% compared to composting in windrows for 35 days and curing 145 days. (Keener et al., 2003a,c).
Sand Laden Dairy Manure. Pilot scale composting studies investigated mixing ratios of sand laden dairy manure (DM) with horse manure/bedding (HM). These studies involved two mixing ratios (1:1 and 2:3 DM:HM) and two aeration regimes. Ratios of 2:3 DM:HM using temperature controlled aeration resulted in highest decomposition rates and lowest moisture content compost. These studies were performed in cooperation with Far Mor Farms, Geauge County. The data will be used to assist Far Mor Farms in the design and construction of a composting facility using DM and HM to serve as a demonstration of this approach (Michel, 2003, unpublished).
Equine Manure. Pilot and full scale windrow studies were started on composting horse manure and chipped cardboard bedding (Hunt Club Bedding). Pilot scale studies focused on 3 C/N ratios. Bedding used was 8.5 lbs per stall per day. Resultant horse manure/Hunt Club Bedding (hm/hcb) mix had a C/N ratio of about 31 and moisture of 50%. Based on results to date, odor is minimal during composting and this material compost well. Studies are continuing (Keener, et al., 2003, unpublished).

c) Usefulness of Findings:

Field studies confirmed caged layer belt/composting system produces a high nitrogen(>5%) dry product (<15% moisture) which can be transported economically up to fifty miles.
Documented nutrient balances for two types of swine production facilities.
Showed cost of transporting manures as swine operations increase in size favor moving toward solid manure handling systems.
Showed through composting farmers can reduce the volume and weights of material to be hauled by 50 to 80 % based on equivalent nitrogen values of the stabilized compost as compared to unamended, uncomposted dairy manure removed from the barn. More when compared to diluted manure.
Composting diary manure/amendment mix with C/N above 40 reduces N losses significantly.
Presented kinetic parameters for composting many animal manure/bedding mixes and evaluated effects of temperature, moisture on kinetic parameters. Parameters allow analyze for optimizing design of composting systems.
Showed use of intermittent aeration is an effective way to maintain aerobic composting, while minimizing cost of composting.
Developed Excel computer simulation models of composting process enable farmers to optimize design and management of facilities, to minimize cost of treatment.
Manure generated from use of chipped cardboard for bedding horses compost and generates little odor.

d) Work Planned 2003/4:

Complete analysis of field survey data for Ohio farmers to determine bedding materials used and manure management systems employed.
Study effects of recycling dairy compost on process efficiency.
Generate engineering designs and cost analyses for dairies and swine producers that minimize water use, reduce odors and optimize production of value-added composts;
Develop operational guidelines for composting of high moisture dairy and hog manures
Develop sand separation systems and composting and compost utilization technologies for sand-bedded dairy systems.

Objective 2: Task 4. Conversion into value-added products.

Stability Guidelines: Stability guidelines for utilization of composts prepared from dairy and swine manures in potting mixes have been developed. Bulking agents and bedding materials used on farms for composting manures affect the time required for composts to mature. The effects of these materials on guidelines for the use of composted manures in potting mixes are not fully known. Several chemical and biological compost characteristics and a cucumber plant growth greenhouse bioassay were performed on samples removed from windrows during composting of: i) dairy manure amended with wheat straw; ii) dairy manure amended with sawdust (mostly Quercus spp.); and iii) pig manure amended with sawdust and shredded wood (mostly Quercus spp.). Dry weights of cucumber seedlings grown in fertilized and unfertilized potting mixes amended with composts (30%, v/v) having stability values of < 1 mg CO2-C g-1 dw d-1, did not differ significantly from those in a control peat mix. Only the most mature dairy manure-wheat straw compost samples consistently established sufficient N concentrations in cucumber shoots in unfertilized treatments. For the dairy manure-wheat straw compost, all possible subset regression analyses of compost characteristics versus cucumber plant dry weight revealed that any of several compost characteristics (electrical conductivity-EC, compost age, total N, organic C, C/N ratio, ash content, CO2 respirometry, Solvita CO2 index and the Solvita® Compost Maturity Index) predicted growth of cucumber in the unfertilized treatments, and thus maturity. In contrast, at least two characteristics of the dairy manure-sawdust compost were required to predict growth of cucumber in the unfertilized treatments. Effective combinations were EC with compost age and the Solvita® maturity index with total N. Even five compost characteristics did not satisfactorily predict growth of cucumber in the non-fertilized pig manure-wood compost. Nutrient analysis of cucumber shoots indicated N availability as the principal factor limiting growth in potting mixes amended with the dairy manure-sawdust compost, and even more so in the pig manure-wood compost even though the compost had been stabilized to a high degree (<1 mg CO2-C g-1 dw d-1). Maturity of the composted manures, which implies a positive initial plant growth response of plants grown without fertilization, could not be predicted by compost characteristics alone unless the bulking agent or bedding type used for the production of the composts was also considered (Changa et al., 2003).
The suppressive effects of composted dairy manure amended potting mixes against Phytophthora dieback and shoot blights and against Botrytis blight and powdery mildews of ornamental (Pieris, begonia) and vegetable crops remain under investigation. A poster and a paper was presented on this work at the American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting in Charlotte NC (Hoitink, 2003).
Nursery stock container media. Demonstration trials with composted hog and dairy manures incorporated into container media set up in June, 2002 will continue to be evaluated through November, 2003, when this nursery stock will have reached a marketable growth stage. Cooperators are 1) Willoway Nurseries, Avon and Huron, OH (Cleveland area) for composted dairy manure and 2) Studebaker Nurseries, New Carlisle, OH (Dayton area) for composted hog manure. The composted dairy manure was produced to defined stability/maturity level at the full-scale OSU facility in Wooster and delivered to Willoway on May 16 and 17, 2002 (Avon and Huron production sites) and tests were set up throughout the summer of 2002. The hog manure compost was produced in a full-scale composting facility at Fresh Aire Farms, Union City, OH and delivered to Studebaker Nurseries where preliminary growth trials are in progress. Amendment rates are 8% for dairy and 4% for hog compost. The biocontrol agent T382 was added as a sub plot treatment. The standard mix at Willoway Nurseries, Inc. contained composted municipal sewage sludge (8-12%, v/v) (Ohio nurseries utilize more of this product than available in Ohio; thus it is imported into the state!). Studebaker Nurseries is one of several nurseries in Ohio that is actively testing substitutes for this product.
Field trials with composts in ground beds nurseries: Field trials with composted dairy manure were set up in 2001 at Losely Nursery, Perry, OH (Lake County). Treatments included 1) composted sewage sludge from the Greater Lake Co Facility (Mentor) 2) OSU composted dairy manure and 3) non-amended fertilized control. Rooted cuttings of several woody plant spp. planted in a replicated complete block design were monitored throughout 2002 for disease and growth. Part of this plot was harvested in March, 2003 and remaining crops will be harvested this fall to determine the value-added nature of the composted dairy manure in this application.
Plots also were set up at Studebaker Nurseries, New Carlisle, OH, to test partially composted beef manure (from PayGro, Inc., S. Charleston, OH, a 6,000 head beef facility) and partially composted hog manure (from Fresh Aire Farms, Union City, OH) as a low cost product in a field trial ahead of Taxus to be planted in April/May, 2003. Thielaviopsis black root rot and Phytophthora root rot cause major problems on this crop. Plant growth in 2003 and plant disease severity will be monitored to determine the value-added nature of these products.
Foliar Sprays. The efficancy of foliar sprays with compost water extracts in reducing the severity of bacterial spot of tomato caused by Xanthomonas vesicatoria was investigated. Extracts prepared from composted cow manure , composted pine bark, an organic farm compost, or composted yard waste, applied as foliar sprays on tomato transplants, resulted in a moderate but statistically significant reduction in the severity of bacterial spot. Data obtained in this work agree with that reported previously on the activity of compost water extracts. Although, some degree of efficancy was observed in this work against a bacterial disease, it was not comparable to the effect of a mixture of copper hydroxide and chlorothalonil (Al-Dahmani, 2003).

c) Usefulnesss of Findings:

Plant growth studies enable operator to know potential markets and value of composted manure and improve opportunities for coordinated growth of Ohio’s dairy, swine and nursery and other green industries.

d) Work Planned 2003/4:

Composted sand laden dairy manure (SLDM) and silage wastes: Arrangements have been made to evaluate the plant growth response for composted SLDM in the 2003 season. In addition, stability tests are being performed on composts prepared from waste silage amended with yard wastes to develop outlets for this type of compost being produced at large dairies in Ohio.
Determine plant disease suppressive properties of compost-amended substrates in nurseries to allow beneficial value-added utilization of composts in potting mixes and field systems; and
Perform demonstration trials, prepare peer reviewed journal articles, outreach materials and present workshops to educate farmers, nurserymen, landscapers, public officials, environmentalists and other interested parties about the advantages and operational aspects of the these novel compost production and utilization technologies.

Objective 3. Develop methodology, technology, and management practices to reduce odors, gases, airborne microflora, particulate matter, and other airborne emissions from animal production systems. Task 3. Emission control technology development and selection for site-specific cases.

a) PI: H.M. Keener, D.L. Elwell, L.B. Willet, L. Zhao
b) PROGRESS:

Poultry Manure. Activities reported on in 2002 (Keener et al., 2002a, 2003b)
Dairy Manure. Elwell et al (2003a,b) reported on the results of extensive studies (eight experimental runs involving a total of approximately 50 pilot-scale vessels) conducted over the last two years of composting of manures from lactating cows and heifers. Both continuous and intermittent aeration were studied, and fresh and 12 day aged manures were used. Data on the kinetics of each vessel (various temperatures, air flows, carbon dioxide and ammonia production, etc.) were collected on a continuous or an every ten minute basis. Material and exhaust gas condensate samples were also collected. Extracts from the material samples, the condensate samples were analyzed for VFAs (C2 to C5), phenolics, indolics, and sulfur compounds. Except for the sulfur compounds, gas chromatographs using either flame ionization or mass spectrographic detectors were employed. Sulfur emissions were determined either with a Jerome Meter or with Dräger tubes. Results showed continuous aeration nearly doubled (63% more) condensate released over 16 days. Fresh manure/sawdust mixes contained 6553, 795, 77, 51, 19, and 17 ug/g of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, phenol, and p-creso. Aged manure mixes contained 9350, 3397, 2810, 445, 285, 441, 34, 176, and 18 ug/g acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, phenol, p-creso, and skatole, as well as a number of C11 to C17 fatty acids. Both aeration methods maintained conditions that resulted in the destruction of most odorous chemicals studied in the composting mass in 7 days with only small quantities of acetate, isobutyrate, and skatole present by the end of day 16. Continuous aeration , as opposed to intermittent, more than doubled (115 vs 55 g) the emissions of NH3-N and increased the emissions of VFAs in condensate four fold. Whereas, limited aeration did not destroy the odorants as rapidly, they remained in the compost until destruction.

c) Usefulness of Findings:

Documented reduced emissions of caged layer belt/composting system over conventional deep pit system.
Processing fresh dairy manure will require less odor management than aged manure.
Aeration during composting results in destruction of odorous compounds (95-100%) by day eight. Biofilters are only needed for short period of times in properly managed compost facilities.
Showed NH3 loss during composting of dairy and hog manure/sawdust was highly correlated with total airflow.

d) Work Planned 2003/4:

Develop project "Efficiency of chemical scrubber to eliminate NH3 emissions from a caged layer manure belt/composting system. Chemical scrubbing of gases from compost building can reduce NH3 emissions to < 10% emissions of conventional deep pit caged layer housing system. Management issues and cost of treatment need to be evaluated.
Begin new studies on “Characterization and Abatement of Air Emissions from Egg Laying Facilities” in cooperation with Purdue University.

PUBLICATIONS (REPORTED PRIOR YEARS)

Selected Publications (2000) Refereed

Ekinci, K., H.M. Keener and D.L. Elwell. 2000. Composting short paper fiber with broiler litter and additives; Part I, effects of initial pH and carbon/nitrogen ratio on ammonia emission. Compost Science & Utilization 8(2), 160-172.

Keener, H.M., D.L. Elwell, G.L. Reid and F.C. Michel Jr. 2000a. Composting non-separated dairy manure - theoretical limits and practical experience. p. 615-623. In: Proceedings Eight Int. Sym. on Animal, Agr. and Food Processing Waste. Oct 9-11. Des Moines, Iowa. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. St. Joseph, MI.

Keener, H.M., W.A. Dick and H.A.J. Hointink. 2000b. Composting and beneficial utilization of composted by-product materials. Chapter 10. pp. 315-341. In: J.F. Power et al. (eds.) Beneficial uses of agricultural, industrial and municipal by-products. Soil Science Society of America. Madison, Wisconsin.

Keener, H.M., D.L. Elwell, and M.J. Monnin. 2000c. Procedures and equations for sizing of structures and windrows for composting animal mortalities. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 16(6):681-692.

Stowell, R.R., H. Keener, D. Elwell, T. Menke and S. Foster. 2000. High-RiseTM hog facility. p. 273-282. In: Proceedings First Int. Conf. on Swine Housing. Oct 9-11, 2000. Des Moines, Iowa. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. St. Joseph, MI.

Selected Publications (2001) Refereed

Elwell, D.L., H.M. Keener, M.C. Wiles, D.C. Borger and L.B. Willett. 2001. Odorous emissions and odor control in composting swine manure/sawdust mixes using continuous and intermittent aeration. Transactions of the ASAE. 44(5):1307-1316

Keener, H.M., D.L. Elwell, K. Ekinci and H.A.J. Hointink. 2001b. Composting & value-added utilization of manure from a High-RiseTM swine finishing facility. Compost Science & Utilization. 9(4):312-321

Keener, H.M., D.L. Elwell, T. Menke and R. Stowell. 2001c. Design and performance of a high-rise hog facility manure drying bed. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 17(5):703-709.

Wiles, M.C.,D.L. Elwell, H.M. Keener, J.C. Amburgey, D.C. Borger and L.B. Willett. 2001. Volatile fatty acid emissions during composting of swine waste amended with sawdust as a measure of odor potential. Compost Science & Utilization 9(1):27-37.

Selected Publications 2002 -refereed

Ekinci, K., H.M. Keener and D.L. Elwell. 2002. Composting short paper fiber with broiler litter and additives. II. Evaluation and optimization of decomposition rate versus mixing ratio. Compost Science & Utilization. 10(1):16-28

Elwell, D.L. J.-H. Hong, and H.M. Keener. 2002a. Composting hog manure/sawdust mixtures using intermittent and continuous aeration. Compost Science & Utilization. 10(2):142-149

Keener, H.M., S.S. Foster, S.J. Moeller, D.L. Elwell. 2002b. Dealing with dead livestock. Resource. 9(8):9-10

Willett, L. B., D.C. Borger, D.L. Elwell, and H.M. Keener. 2002. Initial concentrations and disappearance of selected malodorous compounds from fresh and aged dairy manures. Toxicologist 66(1-S): 194.

Selected Publications 2002 -non-refereed

Changa, C.M., P. Wang, F.C. Michel, Jr., M.E. Watson, and H.A.J. Hoitink. 2002. The Solvita® Maturity Test for Assessment of Stability/Maturity of Composted Manures. Proceedings 2002 International Symposium on Composting and Compost Utilization, May 6-8. Columbus, Ohio. Published on CD.

Elwell, D.L., D.C. Borger, D.V. Blaho, J.V. Fahrni, H.M. Keener and L.B. Willett. 2002b. Changes in concentrations of malodorous compounds from fresh and aged manure during controlled aeration composting. Proceedings 2002 International Symposium on Composting and Compost Utilization, Columbus, Ohio. Published on CD -Track 3, May7.

Keener, H.M. and D.L. Elwell. 2002c. Dead Animal Composting. Proceedings Nutrient and Sediment Control Innovative Technology Forum. Session II.C. February 12-14. Grantville, PA.

Keener, H.M., K Ekinci, D L Elwell, F C Michel Jr. 2002d. Principles Of Composting Process Optimization. Proceedings 2002 International Symposium on Composting and Compost Utilization, Columbus, Ohio. Published on CD - Track 3, May 6.

Keener H.M., F.C. Michel Jr., D.L. Elwell. 2002e. Spreadsheet Computer Models for Decision Making in the Design and Management of Compost Systems. Proceedings 12th Annual Composting Conference, The Composting Council of Canada. September 18 - 20, 2002 – Halifax, Nova Scotia. Published on CD.

Selected Publications 2002 - request from authors

Keener, H.M. and D.L. Elwell. 2002f. An evaluation of composting meat processing by-products in a static pile using sawdust - a preliminary study. Presented to Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio Environmerntal Protection Agency. March 5, 2002. Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Keener, H.M. and D.L. Elwell. 2002g. Evaluation of a frontier turner for manure management and fly control at Buckeye Egg Farms, Croton, Ohio. Report to Buckeye Egg Farm and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. November 7. OARDC/OSU, Wooster, OH.

Keener, H.M., J.A. Pecchia, G. Reid, F.C. Michel, D.L. Elwell. 2002h. Effects of Aeration and Covers on NH3 , Water and Dry Matter Loss During Windrow Composting of Dairy Manure . ASAE Paper 024139. Presented at 2002 ASAE Annual International Meeting/CIGR World Congress. July 29- Aug 1. Chicago, IL.

Pecchia, J.A., H.M.Keener, and F.C. Michel Jr. 2002. Effects of Recycled Compost Rate on Ammonia and Dry Matter Loss During Dairy Manure Composting. ASAE Paper 024143. Presented at 2002 ASAE Annual International Meeting/CIGR World Congress. July 29 - Aug. 1. Chicago, Illinois.

Stowell, R.R., H.M. Keener, P.R. Goodrich and S. Foster. 2002. Gas and odor emissions from High-RiseTM and Deep-Pit Swine Finishing Facilities. ASAE Paper 024122. Presented at 2002 ASAE Annual International Meeting/CIGR World Congress. July 29- Aug 1. Chicago, IL.

Sun, H., F.C. Michel Jr. and H. M. Keener. 2002b. Comparison of predicted and measured ammonia distribution in a High-RiseTM hog building. ASAE Paper 024117. Presented at 2002 ASAE Annual International Meeting/CIGR World Congress. July 29- Aug 1. Chicago, IL.

PUBLICATION (UNREPORTED PRIOR YEARS)

Selected Publications 2002 -refereed

Keener, H.M., D.L. Elwell, and D. Grande. 2002a. NH3 emissions and N-balances for 1.6 million caged layer facility: manure belt/composting system vs deep pit operation. Transactions of ASAE. 45(6):1977-1984

Sun, H., R.R. Stowell, H. M. Keener, and F.C. Michel Jr. 2002a. Two-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model of air velocity and ammonia distribution in a High-RiseTM Hog Building. Transactions of ASAE. 45(6):1559-1568

Selected Publications 2003 -refereed

Al-Dahmani, J.M., P. A. Abbasi, S.A. Miller and H.A.J. Hoitink. 2003. Suppression of bacterial spot of tomato with foliar sprays of compost extracts under greenhouse and field conditions. Plant Dis. 87:913-919.

Changa, C.M., P.Wang, M.E.Watson, H.A.J. Hoitink, F.C. Michel Jr. 2003. Assessment of a commercial maturity test kit for composted manures. 2003. Compost Sci. Util. 11:127-145.

Elwell, D.L., D.C. Borger, D.V. Blaho, J.V. Fahrni, H.M. Keener and L.B. Willett. 2003a. Changes in concentrations of malodorous compounds from fresh and aged manure during controlled aeration composting. Compost Science and Utilization. (Approved for Publication)

Keener, H.M. 2003. Chapter 1-2. Manure characteristics. pp. xx. In: Bullentin 604. The Ohio State University.

Michel Jr., F.C., J.A. Pecchia, J. Rigot, H.M. Keener. 2003a. Mass and nutrient losses during composting of dairy manure with sawdust versus straw amendment. Compost Science and Utilization. (Approved for Publication)

Selected Publications 2003 -non-refereed

Elwell, D.L., D.C. Borger, H.M. Keener and L.B. Willet. 2003b. Reduction of volatile odorous chemicals in composting of dairy manure. ASAE Paper 034049. Presented at 2003 ASAE Annual International Meeting. 7/27-30. Riveria Hotel and Convention Centr, Las Vegas, NV. Published on CD (search at asae.frymulti.com)

Hoitink, H.A.J. 2003. Suppression of Botrytis blight and powdery mildew of Begonia with composted manure. Proceedings of the 2003 annual meeting of the American Phytopathological Society. August 9-13, 2003, Charlotte, NC.

Keener, H.M., F.C. Michel Jr., D.L. Elwell. 2003a. Spreadsheet computer models for design and management of compost systems. Proceedings of the 2003 Annual International Meeting of the Institute of Biological Engineering. 1/17-19. Athens, GA. Published on CD.

Keener, H.M., and D.L. Elwell. 2003b. Caged layer manure management on flies, water and nitrogen levels - case studies of current technologies. ASAE Paper 034128. Presented at 2003 ASAE Annual International Meeting. 7/27-30. Riveria Hotel and Convention Centr, Las Vegas, NV. Published on CD (search at asae.frymulti.com)

Keener, H.M. J.A. Pecchia, G.L. Reid, F.C. Michel Jr., D.L. Elwell. 2003c. Optimizing design and operation of dairy manure composting systems - using pilot and full scale kinetic studies. pp. xx. In: Proceedings The Ninth International Symposium on Animal, Agricultural and Food Processing Wastes (ISAAFPW 2003). 10/12-15. Shearton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center, Durham, NC.

Rausch, J.N. and H.M. Keener. 2003. More than pig performance: The case of three feeder pig systems. pp. xx. In: Proceedings 2003 Swine Housing Conference. 10/12-15. Shearton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center, Durham, NC.

Smith, J.M., 2003. Manure spill emergency management. Pp. 339-344. In: Fifth International Dairy Housing Proceedings of 29-31 January 2003 Conference. Fort Worth, Texas USA. (search at asae.frymulti.com)

Selected Publications 2003 - request from authors

Keener, H.M. and D.L. Elwell. 2003d. Composting livestock mortalities, road kill, and meat processor by-products in Ohio. NIAA Conference Paper. April 9. Cincinnati, OH

Sun, H., H.M. Keener, T.A. Menke and F.C. Michel Jr. 2003. Nutrient balance study of the High-RiseTM hog system and associated windrow-composting process. ASAE Paper 032254. Presented at 2003 ASAE Annual International Meeting. 7/27-30. Riveria Hotel and Convention Centr, Las Vegas, NV.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Objective 1. Develop management tools …. Task 1. Methods to reduce nutrient movement from land application sites into surface and groundwater.

Showed farmer can mitigate potential for leaching of pathogenic bacteria associated with manure by timing manure applications to occur at least 48 hours before rainfall.

Confirmed through field studies caged layer belt/composting system produces a high nitrogen(>5%) dry product (<15% moisture) which can be transported economically up to fifty miles.
Showed cost of transporting manures as swine operations increase in size favor moving toward solid manure handling systems.
Showed through composting farmers can reduce the volume and weights of material to be hauled by 50 to 80 % based on equivalent nitrogen values of the stabilized compost as compared to unamended, uncomposted dairy manure removed from the barn. More when compared to diluted manure.
Showed composting diary manure/amendment mix with C/N above 40 reduces N losses significantly.
Showed use of intermittent aeration is an effective way to maintain aerobic composting, while minimizing cost of composting.
Developed Excel computer simulation models of composting process which enables farmers to optimize design and management of facilities, to minimize cost of treatment.

Task 4. Develop and evaluate biological or thermochemical treatment of animal manures for conversion into value-added products.

Identified and showed through plant growth studies potential markets and value of composted manure and improve opportunities for coordinated growth of Ohio’s dairy, swine, nursery and other green industries.

Documented reduced NH3 emissions (50% reduction)of caged layer belt/composting system over conventional deep pit system.
Showed processing fresh dairy manure will require less odor management than aged manure.
Showed aeration during composting results in destruction of odorous compounds (95-100%) by day eight. Biofilters are only needed for short period of times in properly managed compost facilities.
Showed NH3 loss during composting of dairy and hog manure/sawdust was highly correlated with total airflow.

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