Effect of water application on ammonia emissions from simulated beef cattle feedyard surfaces
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) emissions from beef cattle feedyards cause nutritional loss in manure and contribute to environmental pollution. Thus, the mitigation of NH3 emissions helps sustain and promote the production of environmental agriculture. Sprinkler-based water applications have primarily been used to reduce fugitive dust and heat stress in livestock. It has also been proposed as a potential NH3 mitigation strategy; however, its effectiveness remains uncertain for industrial use. This study evaluated the effect of controlled water application on NH3 emissions under simulated feedyard surfaces. Several environmental conditions (addition of urine, water and manure properties, and temperature) were subjected to different treatments, including repeated water applications or chemical amendments to improve the NH3 mitigation. Results indicated that water applications provided only a temporary mitigation effect (4-25%). NH3 emissions rebounded (1-19%) over time as the applied water evaporated, indicating that water primarily delays NH3 volatilization rather than permanently reducing total emissions. These findings suggest that while water applications provide short-term NH3 mitigation, additional strategies, such as chemical amendments or repeated applications, might be necessary for sustained emission reduction. By optimizing water application methods through further research, water application can become a valuable component of NH3 mitigation strategies for livestock operations.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a simulation / modelling, done in animal, not in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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