Compendium of OMAF Funded Environment Research
Air Quality (AQ)

| 2004 Compendium of OMAFRA Funded Environment Research - Index Page |

AQ1 Electrochemical oxidation of odour components of hog manure

Project Leader: Nigel Bunce
Chemistry & Biochemistry
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53962
bunce@chembio.uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2001 - April 2003

OASIS #: 25606

Abstract:
This research is directed towards ameliorating the problem of offensive odours from intensive hog operations, which are gaining increasingly adverse public attention from the industry. These odours are caused by reduced nitrogen and sulfur compounds, which form by the action of anaerobic bacteria, in both the animal gut and the manure holding tank. Our concept is the electrochemical oxidation of the odorous components in the aqueous phase of settled hog manure, which could then be sprayed on the land in its "deodorized" form.

The residual manure phase, having both a smaller volume and higher solids content might then be treated similarly to liquid cattle manure. Work to date with model compounds suggests that this approach may be feasible. The project will complete the work with model compounds by establishing electrical efficiencies and identifying the oxidation products; and, carry out "proof of concept" with liquid hog manure.

AQ2 Biofiltration as a means of odour and dust control in animal housing facilities

Project Leader: Michael Dixon
Environmental Biology
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52555
mdixon@uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2006

OASIS #: 26001

Abstract:
The odour compounds and dust in conventional swine production facilities present major health and environmental problems to the producers of Ontario. These contaminants are often the cause of environmental complaints and may pose risks to human and animal health and safety. Research also suggests that elevated concentrations of odour gases such as ammonia (NH₃) in hog barns decreases the appetite of hogs, slowing their growth and increasing production costs.

Ammonia is a highly soluble, biologically active compound. These properties make it an excellent candidate for biofiltration. Biofiltration may present a safe and cost effective solution to both odour and dust problems in pig barns. Biofiltration is a process whereby contaminated air is pulled through a matrix of organic material. As it is pulled through many airborne contaminants are removed. This approach is particularly well suited to the pork industry since 1) the plant biomass acts as a major sink for nitrogen, thereby reducing ammonia concentrations and 2) the design of plant based biofilters should encourage dust deposition, thereby reducing dust concentrations. Biofilters can be applied to pork production in a recirculating manner, where the exhaust of the biofilter is used to directly improve barn air quality. This approach will reduce the concentration of chemical contaminants such as ammonia and physical contaminants such as dust. This will reduce the need for ventilation and associated costs in pork facilities and provide workers and animals a better environment. Biofilters can also be employed as a once through system where biofilter exhaust is used to reduce the emission of odour compounds into the environment. The goals of the project are 1) to evaluate the efficacy of indoor air biofilters in removing ammonia and dust from the air; 2) to test a prototype application of the technology in a research setting and 3) to develop and evaluate full scale biofilters in commercial barns.

AQ3 Modeling the fate of gaseous agricultural pollutants

Project Leader: Grant Edwards
School of Engineering
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1

Project Duration: May 1999 - April 2003

OASIS #: 24300

Abstract:
Air pollution from agricultural operations is emerging as an environmental issue. For example, extensive use of fertilizers, and pesticides, and livestock and waste management practices all result in emissions to the atmospheric environment. Emissions associated with agricultural operations are the gases H₂S, NH₃, CH₄, N₂O and CO₂ as well as persistent organics (odour), pesticides and bioaerosols. The transport and deposition of these emissions is not well known.

It is important to understand their fate in, and impact on, the environment for several reasons: human and animal health and safety, meeting regulatory requirements, assessing the relative impact on the environment of different farming options, and improving farm management practices. Towards meeting these information needs an extensive and comprehensive mathematical modeling package was developed which describes dispersion, transport, and deposition of emissions from agricultural sources.

AQ4 Modulation of intestinal fermentation and nutrient utilization for reducing detrimental effects on the environment from swine production

Project Leader: Ming Fan
Animal and Poultry Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53656
mfan@uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2003 - December 2005

OASIS #: 26082

Abstract:
Odour associated with hog production has become a global environmental issue facing the Ontario pork industry. Many volatile organic compounds emitted from swine manure, primarily from growing-finishing pigs, are responsible for swine odour. These compounds mainly include volatile sulfide compounds (e.g., hydrogen sulfide), ammonia, indoles (e.g., 3-methyl indole or skatole) and phenol compounds (e.g., p-cresol). In addition, some odour-causing compounds such as sulfides, skatole and p-cresol produced by fermentation in the large intestine can be absorbed into the blood system and retained in pork, potentially affecting meat quality and causing "off-flavour" taste.

Developing an effective feed additive that helps eliminate swine manure odor and improve pork quality will help the Ontario pork industry stay competitive on the global market. Preliminary studies have suggested that dietary supplementation of non-starch polysaccharides is very effective in decreasing total ammonia and sulfide production and emission from swine manure. Research is needed to understand factors affecting the biogenesis of odor compounds through the intestinal fermentation and also establish optimal levels of dietary supplementation of practical sources of exogenous fiber in improving nutrient utilization, growth performance and pork quality.

AQ5 Treatment of livestock manure to reduce environmental impacts

Project Leader: Ron Fleming
Ridgetown College
University of Guelph
Ridgetown, ON N0P 2C0
519-674-1612
rfleming@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2007

OASIS #: 26003

Abstract:
A number of manure treatment alternatives are currently available to livestock farmers. These include separators, composters, aerators, anaerobic digesters, additives, and several others. Some of these technologies are being used on farms and others are still in the development stage.

Often, the technology being promoted must be combined with other technologies to create a total treatment system. This project will attempt to determine the potential of various treatment systems for reducing negative environmental impacts. The focus will include: odours, nutrients, pathogens and greenhouse gases.

AQ6 Afforestation of marginal land

Project Leader: Glenn Fox
Agriculture Economics & Business
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52768
fox@agec.uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2004

OASIS #: 26101

Abstract:
The ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by the Federal Government has increased opportunities for agriculture to contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gas by enhancing the removal of carbon dioxide from the air and increasing its sequestration through afforestation. Several studies have investigated the costs and benefits of this option to mitigate climate change.

This project will construct a stochastic cost-benefit model that will provide a basis for policy makers to evaluate this option. Ontario owners/farmers of marginal agricultural lands will be affected by any afforestation project and so appropriate incentives to them will be studied. Institutional mechanisms necessary to facilitate afforestation within Ontario will also need further investigation.

AQ7 Carbon Sequestration and Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Tree-Based Agro-Ecosystems

Project Leader: Andrew Gordon
Environmental Biology
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52415
agordon@evb.uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2002 - April 2006

OASIS #: 25467

Abstract:
Tree-based intercropping (a profitable agroforestry system in which annual crops are grown between widely spaced tree rows) is one low cost technology that can potentially enhance carbon sequestration and reduce nitrous oxide emissions in agroecosystems.

Trees are a natural long-term sink for atmospheric CO₂. This could be used as a possible mechanism to sequester more carbon (C) in agricultural fields since, even at low spatial densities, trees enhance soil carbon stocks via annual litterfall and fine-root turnover. The objective of this research is therefore to quantitatively measure and evaluate the C sequestration rate and the C balance in a tree-based intercropping system and to compare this to that of a mono-cropped agricultural system. It is hypothesized that tree-based intercropping systems will sequester more C than strictly agricultural lands, without a significant reduction in agricultural production. The successful adoption of tree-based intercropping systems in southern Ontario will enhance the carbon credit leverage potential (Kyoto - afforestation) for the agriculture sector and may contribute to a significant long-term reduction in atmospheric CO₂ levels.

Preliminary investigations conducted at the Agroforestry Research Station, University of Guelph, Ontario, suggest that the total mean C sequestered in permanent tree components of the fast growing tree species (hybrid poplar clone DN 177, tree density - 111 trees ha^-1) was 14 t ha^-1. In addition, C contribution to soil from leaf litter and fine-root turn over for the last 13 years totals approximately 25 t ha^-1. The total contribution in terms of C sequestration over the last 13 years at this experimental site is therefore approximately 39 t C ha^-1. Theoretically, this also implies that this system has immobilized 156 t of CO₂ ha^-1 over the last 13 years. The net sequestration potential from the trees alone, after the microbial release of CO₂, has been estimated to be 1.65 t ha^-1 y^-1 or approximately 7 t of CO₂ ha^-1 y^-1. This net sequestration, as a result of the integration of trees into agricultural fields, is 4 times more than the C sequestration generally possible for conventional agricultural fields.

The research will also provide quantitative information on the possible reduction of N₂O emissions through 4 major pathways: 1) reduced nitrate loading to waterways, 2) enhanced nitrogen use efficiency, 3) reduced use of N fertilizer and 4) enhanced N-immobilization as a result of increased C/N ratio. Both research (C sequestration, quantification of N₂O emission reduction) will be carried out within the context of complete and operational farming systems and a comparison will be made with conventional agricultural systems in southern Ontario. This information is currently not available for these types of systems in either Canada or the U.S.

AQ8 (WQ) Reducing the potential for nitrogen, phosphorus and methane production in intensive dairy production operation in Ontario

Project Leader: B. McBride
Animal and Poultry Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53695
bmcbride@uoguelph.ca

Collaborating Researchers: D. McKnight, J. Fisher, P. Sharpe, Kemptville College, V. Osbourne, Animal and Poultry Science

Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2006

OASIS #: 26056

Abstract:
Globally, there has been an increase in public concern about environmental damage instigated by intensive animal feeding operations. In Ontario, this increased public concern has resulted in the provincial government introducing nutrient management legislation. This legislation seeks to reduce nutrient output into the environment from farming operations, including intensive dairy operations. For this reason, there is a greater need for dairy nutritionists to develop more efficient methods of dairy production that result in minimal nutrient output into the environment.

In intensive dairy production systems that are common in Ontario, excessive nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) output in manure, and methane (CH₄) emissions into the atmosphere are the major concern in as far as environmental degradation is concerned. Nitrogen and P contaminate the soil, and underground and surface water, whereas CH₄ is a potent greenhouse gas that can lead to climate change and global warming. The project seeks to improve our understanding of the factors, mainly dietary, that influence the output of N, P and CH₄ from dairy cows. It is envisaged that this project will result in the development of strategic supplementation programs for Ontario dairy cows that will minimize the extent of N, P and CH₄ output into the environment, thus reducing environmental degradation. Consequently, additional benefits will include improved production efficiency, reduced feed costs, with the net result being improved farm income. This research will put the Ontario dairy producers in a position to better meet their obligations regarding nutrient management.

AQ9 Development of a multi-scale approach to site-specific nitrogen management

Project Leader: Ivan O'Halloran
Ridgetown College
University of Guelph
Ridgetown ON N0P 2C0
519-674-1635
iohallo@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2004

OASIS #: 26045

Abstract:
Ontario studies indicate that fields are variable in terms of soil fertility levels and fertilizer applications based on an average soil test level for a field can result in the over and under fertilization of parts of that field. Site-specific nutrient management attempts to spatially match crop inputs to crop requirements. The development, however, of the expert map that details how to vary the input is a difficult task. Ontario research has shown considerable within field variability in corn yield response to applied fertilizer N. Although not all fields offer a significant management opportunity for variable N applications, there often appears to an opportunity to improve producer profitability by adjusting N rates to a field specific most economic rate of N (MERN). Better N management systems may also have environmental benefits as excess fertilizer applications are reduced. It is estimated that over 50% of the greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture are as nitrous oxide (N₂O). Application of excess fertilizer N increases the risk of N₂O emissions. The ultimate impact of variable rate N fertilization on N₂O emissions, however, will depend upon whether those areas that are likely to have had excessive fertilizer N applications are also the areas most likely to produce N₂O. The purpose of this study is to continue the work pertaining to the site-specific application of fertilizer N on corn, estimation and verification of field based MERN recommendations and examine the potential impact of variable N application on N₂O emissions.

AQ10 Impact of variable nitrogen application on crop yields and potential nitrous oxide emissions from soil

Project Leader: Ivan O'Halloran
Ridgetown College
University of Guelph
Ridgetown ON N0P 2C0
519-674-1635
iohallo@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2002 - April 2003

OASIS #: 25870

Abstract:
Ontario studies indicate that fields are variable in terms of soil fertility levels. Fertilizer applications based on an average soil test level for a field results in the over and under fertilization of parts of that field. The degree of variability and level of soil fertility influence the agronomic significance of these mismanaged areas. Site specific nutrient management attempts to spatially match crop inputs to crop requirements. The development, however, of the expert map that details how to vary the input is a difficult task. Ontario research has shown considerable variation within field variability in corn yield response to applied fertilizer N. Better N management systems would have obvious economic benefits to the producer and environmental benefits as excess fertilizer applications are reduced. Currently, it is estimated that over 50% of the greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture are as nitrous oxide (N₂O).

While there is a reasonable understanding of some of the factors that affect N₂O emissions from the soil the complete picture, especially within a variable landscape, is poorly understood. The application of excess fertilizer N increases the risk of N₂O emissions. The ultimate impact of variable rate N fertilization on N₂O emission, however, will depend upon whether those areas that are likely to have had excessive fertilizer N applications are also the areas most likely to produce N₂O. The purpose was to continue work pertaining to the site-specific application of fertilizer N on corn including prediction of most economic rate of nitrogen (MERN) and prediction of variable N applications. The project also examined the potential impact of variable N application on N₂O emissions.

AQ11 (WQ) Production and pest management of mushrooms

Project Leader: Danny L. Rinker
Plant Agriculture
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
905-562-4141
drinder@uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2002 - April 2006

OASIS #: 25748

Abstract:
The mushroom industry is composed of two groups: the commercial mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and the specialty growers (oyster, shiitake). Commercial mushroom growers are very concerned about environmental issues, management of insects and disease and mushroom production quality. Specialty growers, on the other hand, are focussing more on production and quality related problems.

Environmental issues will be addressed through determining the best mechanical and/or horticultural system(s) that lower malodorous emissions from compost and by determining what on farm practices can be used to reduce or eliminate pesticides in the gray water.

The management of insects and disease will be addressed through the continued efforts to develop control measures for Trichoderma and other diseases. Mushroom production and quality concerns will be addressed through a better understanding of blotch disease, through evaluation of production materials and their impact on yield and quality, and through addition of chemicals to the irrigation water.

AQ12 Adaptation Strategies for the management of climate related risks in Ontario agriculture

Project Leader: Barry Smit
Geography
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53279
bsmit@uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2004

OASIS #: 26019

Abstract:
Climatic variations and associated weather conditions have major implications for Ontario producers and the agricultural sector generally. The droughts of 2001-02 were estimated to cost the Canadian agri-food sector billions of dollars, and in Ontario resulted in the highest crop insurance payouts ever (AGRICORP). Changes in climate, especially variations and extreme conditions, represent major risks for farm businesses and the industry.

The need to better understand these risks and the need for improved management options to deal with them are widely recognized. A wide variety of government and industry organizations have identified climate change and the need to develop adaptation strategies as a research priority.

The aim of the project is to identify strategies to effectively manage climate and weather related risks in Ontario's agri-food sector and to useful information for production and management decisions and for insurance and support programs in light of a variable and changing climate.

The major climate-related risks and opportunities in Ontario agriculture are identified, implications for producers and the agri-food sector are assessed, and alternative adaptation options are evaluated, including ways in which climate risk management can be incorporated into best management practices, farm plans and government programs.

AQ13 (SQ) Characterizing air emissions and ash residues from the cremation of deadstock from small on-farm commercial cremation units

Project Leader: Bill Van Heyst
School of Engineering
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53665
bvanheys@uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2003 - December 2004

OASIS #: 25983

Abstract:
With concerns regarding prion diseases, food safety, and nutrient management, Ontario's farmers are facing increasing challenges regarding the proper disposal of on-farm animal mortalities. One method that is gaining popularity is the use of small on-farm deadstock cremation units that are commercially available from various Ontario distributors. Before endorsing the use of these units, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) have specific concerns regarding the environmental performance of the cremation units, which require further investigation. This research program is thus aimed at characterizing the air emissions and ash residues from different animal carcasses from several different commercially available cremation units using standardized tests methods. The air emissions will be subsequently modeled using AgMOD, an air dispersion model developed specifically for agricultural applications (Compendium # AQ3), to determine siting and off-property implications.

This research project is needed to collect the required information to make policy-related decisions regarding dead animal cremation.

AQ14 (WQ) Greenhouse gas emissions, removal of air pollutants and nitrate leaching in management systems designed for carbon sequestration

Project Leader: Claudia Wagner-Riddle
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52787
criddle@lrs.uoguelph.ca

Collaborating Researchers: T. Gillespie, G. Parkin, G. Thurtell and J. Warland, Land Resource Science

Project Duration: May 1999 - April 2003

OASIS #: 24030

Abstract:
Attention has been focused recently on the potential of increased fixation of carbon by agricultural activities, contributing to removal of excess CO₂ in the atmosphere. It is not clear what will happen with production of other greenhouse gases, under agricultural systems designed to fix carbon. In addition, other aspects of the nitrogen cycle, such as nitrate leaching could be affected. Typically, agricultural fields also are a sink for gases produced elsewhere such as NOx and ozone. Therefore, any measures to increase carbon fixation by agriculture should be evaluated as to their effect on the
emission of greenhouse gases, nitrate leaching, and air pollutant uptake.

Management practices affected greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutant removal and nitrate leaching. Establishment of a BMP system, reduced environmental losses of applied N to 9.5 kg N/ha from 63 kg N/ha measured for the CP system. This reduction was not only caused by lower N input in the BMP system, but also due to higher efficiency of applied N use, as shown by the reduction in proportion of applied N lost, from 42% for CP to 19% for BMP. Consequently, nitrous oxide and leaching losses were significantly lower in the BMP when compared to the CP system. Similar yields in both systems indicate that these losses were minimized without affecting crop productivity. Continued monitoring of losses from these systems will allow for testing of the veracity of these results under contrasting weather conditions, and long-term effects of no-tillage on the soil profile.

AQ15 Development of anaerobic digestion processes for treating swine manures and processed effluent

Project Leader: H. Zhou
School of Engineering
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x56990
hzhou@uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2001 - April 2004

OASIS #: 25614

Abstract:
Proper management of swine manure and processed wastewater is a pressing challenge for the Ontario hog industry to achieve sustainability and further growth. Consequently, new cost-effective and easily managed technologies that enable pollution prevention and produce energy are becoming increasingly attractive. This research will focus on the conversion of manure to recoverable biogas using anaerobic digestion. Specific research objectives include:

1. To demonstrate and compare the feasibility of these different anaerobic methods for swine manures in terms of the biogas production and the removal efficiencies of organic matters, nutrients and other concerned pollutants,
   
2. To examine the effects of various process conditions on digestion performance, with emphasis on identifying and determining the potential inhibition from the presence of excessive free ammonia and hydrogen sulfide and devising subsequent mitigation measures,
   
3. To confirm other potential benefits of anaerobic digestion such as odour reduction and pathogen removal, and
   
4. To recommend the design and operational guidelines for hog producers based on the findings of this study.

Extensive experiments have been conducted using different anaerobic digestion systems under both mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. Other important process factors including pH, sludge detention time, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations have been examined. Preliminary results showed that anaerobic digestion performs differently in the batch digesters as compared to the completely mixed continuous digesters. Accumulation of NH₃ and H₂S during the anaerobic digestion of swine manure can lead to a great reduction in biogas production, particularly under thermophilic condition. Furthermore, their inhibition has been demonstrated to be synergistic, i.e., the presence of one compound would result in the severer inhibitory effects from another. In some cases, the anaerobic digestion at mesophilic condition can even outperform that at thermophilic condition.