Using Total Solids Concentration to Estimate Nutrient Content of Feedlot Runoff Effluent from Solid Settling Basins, Vegetative Infiltration Basins, and Vegetative Treatment Areas

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2010-09-13
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Burns, Robert
Moody, Lara
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Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.

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In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.

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1905–present

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  • Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)

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Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Abstract

Increased environmental awareness has promoted the need for improved feedlot runoff control. The use of vegetative treatment systems (VTSs) to control and treat feedlot runoff may enhance environmental security and protect water quality. Knowledge of effluent nutrient concentrations throughout the vegetative treatment system is required to evaluate impact on water quality and system performance. Previously collected VTS monitoring data has provided the opportunity to investigate relationships between effluent quality parameters. The objective of this study was to evaluate, through correlation and regression, the relationships between total solids, nutrients, and effluent quality indicator concentrations of feedlot runoff at various stages of treatment in a VTS, including solid settling basin, vegetative infiltration basin, and vegetative treatment area effluent. Results of a correlation and primary factor analysis showed that most of the parameters’ concentrations were strongly correlated to each other, with a single factor capable of describing more than 60% of the variability of monitored parameters. Regression equations were developed to relate nutrient content and effluent quality indicator concentrations to total solids concentrations. Results were satisfactory for most parameters, indicating that total solids concentrations provided significant insight into VTS performance relative to nutrient concentration and effluent quality indicators. A comparison between predicted, based on total solids content, and monitored mass release of the parameters was conducted. No statistical difference was found for most parameters; indicating that effluent volume release along with total solids concentrations can be used to provide an estimate of nutrient mass in solid settling basin, vegetative infiltration basin, and vegetative treatment area effluent.

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This proceeding is from International Symposium on Air Quality & Manure Management for Agriculture CD-Rom Proceedings (13-16 September 2010, Double Tree Hotel, Dallas Texas) St. Joseph, Michigan ASABE ,13 September 2010 . ASAE Pub #711P0510cd.

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Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 UTC 2010