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Articles 1 - 14 of 14

Full-Text Articles in Biological Engineering

Fluidized-Bed Gasification Of Dairy Manure By Box–Behnken Design, Hanjing Wu, Milford A. Hanna, David D. Jones May 2012

Fluidized-Bed Gasification Of Dairy Manure By Box–Behnken Design, Hanjing Wu, Milford A. Hanna, David D. Jones

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Application of excessive animal manure to the land may cause some environmental problems such as eutrophication of surface waters, degradation of ground water quality, and threats to human health. This paper reports an experimental study on the technology of biomass gasification to treat animal waste by analyzing the effects of key operating parameters on gasification. In this research, dairy manure from the University of Nebraska dairy farm was first collected and dried, and then gasified in a fluidized-bed, laboratory-scale gasifier to generate syngas. The effects of three parameters, namely temperature, steam to biomass ratio (SBR) and the equivalence ratio (ER), …


Narrow Grass Hedge Effects On Nutrient Transport Following Compost Application, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, David B. Marx May 2008

Narrow Grass Hedge Effects On Nutrient Transport Following Compost Application, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, David B. Marx

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

The placement of stiff‐stemmed grass hedges on the contour along a hillslope has been shown to decrease nutrient transport in runoff. This study was conducted to measure the effectiveness of a narrow grass hedge in reducing runoff nutrient transport from plots with a range of soil nutrient values. Composted beef cattle manure was applied at dry weights of 0, 68, 105, 142, and 178 Mg ha-1 to a silty clay loam soil and then incorporated by disking. Soil samples were collected 243 days later for analysis of water‐soluble phosphorus (WSP), Bray and Kurtz No. 1 phosphorus (Bray‐1 P), NO …


Spatial Variations In Nutrient And Microbial Transport From Feedlot Surfaces, John E. Gilley, Elaine D. Berry, Roger A. Eigenberg, David B. Marx, Bryan L. Woodbury Mar 2008

Spatial Variations In Nutrient And Microbial Transport From Feedlot Surfaces, John E. Gilley, Elaine D. Berry, Roger A. Eigenberg, David B. Marx, Bryan L. Woodbury

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

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: (1) measure selected feedlot soil properties and nutrient and microbial transport in runoff from various feedlot locations, (2) 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 (3) …


Nitrogen And Phosphorus Concentrations Of Runoff As Affected By Moldboard Plowing, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, David B. Marx Aug 2007

Nitrogen And Phosphorus Concentrations Of Runoff As Affected By Moldboard Plowing, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, David B. Marx

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

The excessive application of manure on cropland areas can cause nutrients to accumulate near the soil surface. This study was conducted to measure the effects of moldboard plowing on the redistribution of nutrients within the soil profile and nutrient transport by overland flow. Composted beef cattle manure was applied at dry weights of 0, 68, 105, 142, and 178 Mg ha-1 to a silty clay loam soil and then incorporated by disking. Selected plots were moldboard plowed 244 days later to a depth of approximately 23 cm. Soil samples for analysis of water‐soluble phosphorus, Bray and Kurtz No. 1 …


Nutrient Concentrations Of Runoff During The Year Following Manure Application, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, D. B. Marx Aug 2007

Nutrient Concentrations Of Runoff During The Year Following Manure Application, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, D. B. Marx

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Little information is currently available concerning temporal changes in nutrient transport following the addition of manure to cropland areas. This study was conducted to measure nutrient transport in runoff as affected by tillage and time following the application of beef cattle or swine manure to a site on which corn (Zea mays L.) was grown. Rainfall simulation tests were initiated 4, 32, 62, 123, and 354 days following land application. Three 30 min simulated rainfall events, separated by 24 h intervals, were conducted at an intensity of approximately 70 mm h-1. Dissolved phosphorus (DP), particulate phosphorus (PP), total phosphorus …


Crop Residue Effects On Runoff Nutrient Concentrations Following Manure Application, Jeffrey E. Nicolaisen, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, David B. Marx Mar 2007

Crop Residue Effects On Runoff Nutrient Concentrations Following Manure Application, Jeffrey E. Nicolaisen, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, David B. Marx

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Manure is applied to cropland areas managed under diverse conditions, resulting in varying amounts of residue cover. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of crop residue on nutrient concentrations in runoff from areas where beef cattle or swine manure were recently applied but not incorporated. Plots 0.75 m wide by 2 m long were established at the study site. Existing residue materials were removed, and corn, soybean, or winter wheat residue was added at rates of 2, 4, or 8 Mg ha−1. Manure was then applied at rates required to meet estimated annual nitrogen …


A New Application For Fine Ground Rubber In The Control Of Odors From Livestock Manure Storage Structures, Lakshmi Koppolu, Richard K. Koelsch, Dennis D. Schulte, Crystal Powers, Dwaine Bundy Jul 2005

A New Application For Fine Ground Rubber In The Control Of Odors From Livestock Manure Storage Structures, Lakshmi Koppolu, Richard K. Koelsch, Dennis D. Schulte, Crystal Powers, Dwaine Bundy

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

The purpose of this project was to quantify the odor and gas emission benefits of a fine ground rubber cover on laboratory scale manure storage units and to evaluate the ability of a fine ground rubber cover applied to a commercial swine manure storage unit to remain intact and functional over an extended period of time. A three-inch cover of fine ground rubber reduced odors by 77 to 99 percent from the manure storage tanks over a six-week period. However, consistent reductions of NH3 emissions were not observed and H2S emissions from all manure storage treatments were …


Use Of Computer Spreadsheets And Paper-Based Workbooks To Teach Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning, Charles A. Shapiro, R. L. Deloughery, Richard K. Koelsch, M. J. Kucera, Charles S. Wortmann Oct 2003

Use Of Computer Spreadsheets And Paper-Based Workbooks To Teach Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning, Charles A. Shapiro, R. L. Deloughery, Richard K. Koelsch, M. J. Kucera, Charles S. Wortmann

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

The objective of this program was to provide producers and ag advisors the skills needed to apply for and maintain the non-engineering components of a Nebraska permit to operate a livestock waste control facility. This includes a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). Eighty six producers and advisors participated in an intensive three-session hands-on class with a total of nine contact hours at four sites in eastern Nebraska in the spring of 2002. The workshop included lecture and participant use of spreadsheet tools to assist with performing the necessary calculations. With an average of 68 % responses per session, 58% rated …


Characteristics Of Phototrophic And Non-Phototrophic Lagoons For Swine Manure, Tongtong Chen, Dennis D. Schulte, Richard K. Koelsch, Anne M. Parkhurst Aug 2003

Characteristics Of Phototrophic And Non-Phototrophic Lagoons For Swine Manure, Tongtong Chen, Dennis D. Schulte, Richard K. Koelsch, Anne M. Parkhurst

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Odors are a major result of inadequately sized and mismanaged anaerobic lagoons. However, purple or pink colored lagoons, indicating the presence of phototrophic purple bacteria, are less likely to be an odor nuisance than are non–purple lagoons. Eight swine lagoons were studied to quantify critical parameters thought to allow purple lagoons to be a more reliable odor control alternative. Bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchl a), which indirectly measures the abundance of phototrophic bacteria, was greater in purple lagoons than in non–purple lagoons (P = 0.01). Oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) was less negative for purple lagoons than for non–purple lagoons in both spring …


Local Applications Of The National Livestock And Poultry Environmental Stewardship Curriculum, Diane Huntrods, Richard K. Koelsch, Frank Humenik Jul 2003

Local Applications Of The National Livestock And Poultry Environmental Stewardship Curriculum, Diane Huntrods, Richard K. Koelsch, Frank Humenik

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

This paper introduces the LPES curriculum project, summarizing the curriculum development process, the final curriculum materials, and the outreach activities. Following an overview of the LPES Curriculum Impact Survey, the authors will present representative examples of uses and modifications made of the LPES curriculum as it is used with targeted audiences. This model for utilizing national expertise to address state and local educational needs may have benefit in other extension education programs as land grant university resources decrease. The paper concludes with a discussion of lessons learned from this national extension education curriculum development effort.


Residual Effects Of Compost And Fertilizer Applications On Nutrients In Runoff, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball Sep 2002

Residual Effects Of Compost And Fertilizer Applications On Nutrients In Runoff, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

The application of compost or fertilizer at rates that exceed crop nutrient requirements can result in phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) accumulation in soil. This study was conducted to determine the influence of soil P and N contents on the concentrations and total amounts of P and N transported in runoff. Composted beef cattle feedlot manure or inorganic fertilizer were added from 1992 to 1995 to a Sharpsburg silty clay loam soil at rates sufficient to meet P or N requirements for corn and incorporated following application. After four years of corn production following the last compost application, P concentration, …


Long-Term Manure And Fertilizer Application Effects On Phosphorus And Nitrogen In Runoff, Bahman Eghball, John E. Gilley, David D. Baltensperger, J. M. Blumenthal Feb 2002

Long-Term Manure And Fertilizer Application Effects On Phosphorus And Nitrogen In Runoff, Bahman Eghball, John E. Gilley, David D. Baltensperger, J. M. Blumenthal

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Long–term manure and fertilizer applications to a soil can increase phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) transport in runoff. This study was conducted to determine P and N transport in runoff following long–term (since 1953) manure and fertilizer applications. Duplicate soil samples (32) were collected in 1998 from the top 0.1 m of selected plots of a long–term manure and fertilizer applications field experiment and later placed in 1 m2 soil pans in the laboratory. Manure and fertilizer were mixed with 16 of the soil samples, while no treatment was applied to the other half (long–term residual effect). Simulated rainfall …


Managing Runoff Following Manure Application, John E. Gilley, L. Mark Risse, Bahman Eghball Jan 2002

Managing Runoff Following Manure Application, John E. Gilley, L. Mark Risse, Bahman Eghball

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Rainfall patterns, soil factors, topography, climate, and land use may all influence runoff. To minimize environmental concerns, excessive runoff should be avoided on areas where manure has been applied. Management practices used to control runoff include contouring, strip cropping, conservation tillage, terraces, and buffer strips. In some cases, secondary containment systems, sedimentation basins, or ponds may be necessary to collect runoff. More than one runoff-control practice may be necessary for protection in areas with high runoff potential. Soil properties, including infiltration, may be improved by manure application. The method, rate and timing of manure application should be considered to reduce …


Nutrients In Runoff Following The Application Of Swine Manure To Interrill Areas, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, B. J. Weinhold, Phillip S. Miller Sep 2001

Nutrients In Runoff Following The Application Of Swine Manure To Interrill Areas, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, B. J. Weinhold, Phillip S. Miller

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

The P content of swine manure can be reduced through the addition of feed supplements or the use of selected corn hybrids. This study was conducted to compare interrill runoff losses of P and N from three soils following the application of swine manure obtained from selected diets. The soils used in this investigation included a Hersh sandy loam, Pierre silty clay, and Sharpsburg silt loam. Simulated rainfall was applied during both initial and wet runs to a soil pan on which swine manure produced from low phytate corn (LPC), phytase added to the diet (PHY), or a traditional corn …