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Effect of Using Aluminum Sulfate (Alum) as a Surface Amendment in Beef Cattle Feedlots on Ammonia and Sulfide Emissions

Author

Listed:
  • Mindy J. Spiehs

    (USDA Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA)

  • Bryan Woodbury

    (USDA Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to measure NH 3 from feedlot surface material (FSM) containing aluminum sulfate (alum). A 33-day lab-scale study was conducted using pans containing FSM and either 0, 2.5, 5, or 10% alum. The pH of the FSM was significantly lower ( p < 0.01) when treated with 2.5, 5, and 10% alum as opposed to the 0% alum treatment. No NH 3 volatilization occurred below a pH of 6.5. A second study determined that small, weekly doses of 5% alum did not lower NH 3 emissions further than a single dose of 5% alum. Two studies on the feedlot surface demonstrated a significant decrease ( p < 0.01) in pH in the areas of the pens where alum was added compared to those that did not receive alum. Ammonia concentrations were lower ( p < 0.05) for the areas that received alum compared to those that did not receive alum for 7 days when 5% alum was applied and 14 days when 10% alum was applied. In all the studies, sulfide emissions increased when alum was added to the FSM. We concluded 10% alum may reduce NH 3 emissions from beef feedlots temporarily, but higher sulfide emissions offset this benefit.

Suggested Citation

  • Mindy J. Spiehs & Bryan Woodbury, 2022. "Effect of Using Aluminum Sulfate (Alum) as a Surface Amendment in Beef Cattle Feedlots on Ammonia and Sulfide Emissions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:4:p:1984-:d:745756
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