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Niles MT, Wiltshire S, Lombard J, Branan M, Vuolo M, Chintala R, Tricarico J. Manure management strategies are interconnected with complexity across U.S. dairy farms. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267731. [PMID: 35657780 PMCID: PMC9165779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Among one of the key challenges in dairy production is the management of manure in a way that is beneficial for agricultural production, with minimal environmental and public health impacts. Manure management systems (MMS)—the entire system of handling, storage, and application of manure—are diverse in countries with developed dairy industries such as the United States, enabled by a number of different technologies. The ways in which dairy farmers manage manure is driven by varying tradeoffs, including economic, social, and environmental; however, existing research has not examined the relationships between components of MMS. Here we use data from the National Animal Health Monitoring System’s Dairy 2014 study to explore the ways in which manure handling, storage, and application are related, using a series of logistic regression models and network associations. We found significant associations between how manure is handled, stored, and applied, especially driven by the consistency of manure. For solid manure, we found highly heterogeneous systems, where farmers may have a suite of alternative manure management strategies available to them, and substitution is viable. Conversely, farms using liquid manure systems have very few substitutes in their MMS, suggesting greater investment in certain infrastructures, which are not easily changed. Such findings have important implications for shifting farmers towards management practices with minimal environmental and public health impacts, demonstrating that not all farm systems are easily changed. We highlight these results in light of current policies, which may not fully capture the relationships across the MMS, and suggest that greater financing may be necessary to shift MMS on some farms. Furthermore, we suggest that different MMS have varying tradeoffs across environmental, social, and economic aspects, which demonstrates that MMS are highly individualized to a given farm’s goals and priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith T. Niles
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences & Food Systems Program, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Serge Wiltshire
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences & Food Systems Program, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Jason Lombard
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Animal Health Monitoring System, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Riverdale, MD, United States of America
| | - Matthew Branan
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Animal Health Monitoring System, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Riverdale, MD, United States of America
| | - Matthew Vuolo
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Animal Health Monitoring System, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Riverdale, MD, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Chintala
- Dairy Management Inc., Rosemont, IL, United States of America
| | - Juan Tricarico
- Dairy Management Inc., Rosemont, IL, United States of America
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Parascanu MM, Sanchez N, Sandoval-Salas F, Carreto CM, Soreanu G, Sanchez-Silva L. Environmental and economic analysis of bioethanol production from sugarcane molasses and agave juice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:64374-64393. [PMID: 34304359 PMCID: PMC8610961 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this article, sugarcane molasses and agave juice were compared as potential feedstocks for producing bioethanol in Mexico in terms of their environmental impact and economic factors. Life cycle assessment (LCA) using SimaPro was carried out to calculate environmental impacts by using a cradle-to-gate approach. A preliminary economic analysis was performed to determine the economic feasibility of the studied options. Also, capital goods costs were obtained using the Aspen Plus economy package. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis was involved to compare the environmental and economic viability of producing bioethanol from sugarcane molasses and agave juice. LCA results revealed that cultivation and fermentation were the most harmful stages when producing bioethanol from sugarcane molasses and agave juice, respectively. Furthermore, when it was derived from agave juice rather than sugarcane molasses, it had more environmental benefits. This was ascribed to the lower consumption rate of fertilizers, pesticides, and emissions given off from the former. Regarding financial aspects, the preliminary analysis showed that producing bioethanol was not economically viable when grid energy alone was used. However, if power from the grid is partially replaced with renewable energy, producing bioethanol becomes economically feasible, and sugarcane molasses is the most suitable feedstock.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nestor Sanchez
- Energy, Materials and Environmental Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Processes, Universidad de La Sabana, Campus Universitario Puente del Común, km. 7 Autopista Norte, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Gabriela Soreanu
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Technical University "Gheorghe Asachi" of Iasi, Iasi, Romania
| | - Luz Sanchez-Silva
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Fica ZT, Sims RC. Algae-based biofilm productivity utilizing dairy wastewater: effects of temperature and organic carbon concentration. J Biol Eng 2016; 10:18. [PMID: 28018482 PMCID: PMC5159987 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-016-0039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biofilm-based microalgal growth was determined as functions of organic chemical loading and water temperature utilizing dairy wastewater from a full-scale dairy farm. The dairy industry is a significant source of wastewater worldwide that could provide an inexpensive and nutrient rich feedstock for the cultivation of algae biomass for use in downstream processing of animal feed and aquaculture applications. Algal biomass was cultivated using a Rotating Algal Biofilm Reactor (RABR) system. The RABR is a biofilm-based technology that has been designed and used to remediate municipal wastewater and was applied to treat dairy wastewater through nutrient uptake, and simultaneously provide biomass for the production of renewable bioproducts. Results Aerial algal biofilm growth rates in dairy wastewater at 7 and 27 °C temperatures were shown to be 4.55 ± 0.17 g/m2-day and 7.57 ± 1.12 g/m2-day ash free dry weight (AFDW), respectively. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) calculations indicated that both an increase in temperature of the wastewater and an increase in the level of organic carbon, from 300 to 1200 mg L-1, contributed significantly to an increase in the rate of biomass growth in the system. However, ANOVA results indicated that the interaction of temperature and organic carbon content was not significantly related to the biofilm-based growth rate. Conclusion A microalgae-based biofilm reactor was successfully used to treat turbid dairy wastewater. Temperature and organic carbon concentration had a statistically significant effect on algae-based biofilm productivity and treatment of dairy wastewater. The relationships between temperature, TOC, and productivity developed in this study may be used in the design and assessment of wastewater remediation systems and biomass production systems utilizing algae-based biofilm reactors for treating dairy wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Fica
- Utah State University, 4105 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-4015 USA
| | - Ronald C Sims
- Utah State University, 4105 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-4015 USA
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Steiner JL, Starks PJ, Garbrecht JD, Moriasi DN, Zhang X, Schneider JM, Guzman JA, Osei E. Long-term environmental research: the upper washita river experimental watersheds, oklahoma, USA. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2014; 43:1227-1238. [PMID: 25603071 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2014.05.0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Water is central to life and earth processes, connecting physical, biological, chemical, ecological, and economic forces across the landscape. The vast scope of hydrologic sciences requires research efforts worldwide and across a wide range of disciplines. While hydrologic processes and scientific investigations related to sustainable agricultural systems are based on universal principles, research to understand processes and evaluate management practices is often site-specific to achieve a critical mass of expertise and research infrastructure to address spatially, temporally, and ecologically complex systems. In the face of dynamic climate, market, and policy environments, long-term research is required to understand and predict risks and possible outcomes of alternative scenarios. This special section describes the USDA-ARS's long-term research (1961 to present) in the Upper Washita River basin of Oklahoma. Data papers document datasets in detail (weather, hydrology, physiography, land cover, and sediment and nutrient water quality), and associated research papers present analyses based on those data. This living history of research is presented to engage collaborative scientists across institutions and disciplines to further explore complex, interactive processes and systems. Application of scientific understanding to resolve pressing challenges to agriculture while enhancing resilience of linked land and human systems will require complex research approaches. Research areas that this watershed research program continues to address include: resilience to current and future climate pressures; sources, fate, and transport of contaminants at a watershed scale; linked atmospheric-surface-subsurface hydrologic processes; high spatiotemporal resolution analyses of linked hydrologic processes; and multiple-objective decision making across linked farm to watershed scales.
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Anderson CJ, Lockaby BG. Research gaps related to forest management and stream sediment in the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2011; 47:303-313. [PMID: 21191790 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-010-9604-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/10/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Water quality from forested landscapes tends to be very high but can deteriorate during and after silvicultural activities. Practices such as forest harvesting, site preparation, road construction/use, and stream crossings have been shown to contribute sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants to adjacent streams. Although advances in forest management accompanied with Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been very effective at reducing water quality impacts from forest operations, projected increases in demand for forest products may result in unintended environmental degradation. Through a review of the pertinent literature, we identified several research gaps related to water yield, aquatic habitat, sediment source and delivery, and BMP effectiveness that should be addressed for streams in the United States to better understand and address the environmental ramifications of current and future levels of timber production. We explored the current understanding of these topics based on relevant literature and the possible implications of increased demand for forest products in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Anderson
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, 3301 Forestry and Wildlife Building, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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Adhikari M, Paudel KP, Martin NR, Gauthier WM. Economics of dairy waste use as fertilizer in central Texas. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2005; 25:1067-74. [PMID: 16139493 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2005.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2003] [Revised: 04/17/2005] [Accepted: 06/22/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Dairy manure is an unavoidable natural, but negative, byproduct of milk production. Its nitrogen, phosphate, and potash contents represent a potential substitute for commercial fertilizers on field crops. In the absence of subsidies, manure transportation and land application costs limit its utilization as a substitute for chemical fertilizer. The results from a study of the economics of manure use in Central Texas suggest that, at the current costs for loading, hauling, and spreading, dairy manure cannot be economically transported from surplus to deficit areas within the study area. The estimated breakeven transport distance for manure application to four crops varied from 28 to 41 km; however, the distances between manure-surplus and manure-deficit counties in the study region varied from 40 to 90 km. An analysis of potential subsidies paid by the government or dairy farmers showed that the breakeven distance could increase by up to 30 km. A decrease in the assumed moisture content of the manure from 50% to 40% is shown to increase the breakeven distance by 10 km. The study suggests that dairy manure loading, transportation, and land application, with appropriate subsidies or reductions in moisture content, has the potential to be profitably substituted for chemical fertilizers.
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Centner TJ. New regulations to minimize water impairment from animals rely on management practices. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2004; 30:539-545. [PMID: 15031014 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2003.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2003] [Accepted: 10/27/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Water pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) led to revised federal regulations in the United States. The regulations provide for the greater management of potential sources of agricultural contamination and impose additional financial costs on producers. Along with a duty to secure a permit, significant changes address coverage of pollutants, separation of production and land application areas, effluent limitation guidelines, and differentiating agricultural storm water discharges from other discharges. The revised provisions require more producers to secure National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and mandate that large CAFOs develop technology-based effluent discharge limitations involving best management practices. Medium- and small-sized CAFOs need to adopt technology-based effluent discharge requirements employing best professional judgment. For farms raising animals that are not CAFOs, voluntary management practices may be employed to intercept pollutants before they enter waterbodies. Additional educational efforts promoting the implementation of further management practices that address the agricultural impairment of water resources may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence J Centner
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Applied Economics, The University of Georgia, 301 Conner Hall Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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